Is there a relationship between the presence of external root resorption in second molars adjacent to impacted mandibular third molars with awake bruxism and masticatory muscle activity?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess whether awake bruxism and masticatory muscle activity could be related to external root resorption (ERR) in second molars adjacent to impacted mandibular third molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients, with requests for a cone-beam, computed tomography, were divided into two groups: ERR (patients with ERR in the second molar, n = 30), and control group (n = 30). Awake bruxism was assessed through the Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC) and an ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to assess the masseter and anterior temporal muscle function. Normality and homogeneity of variances were demonstrated. Descriptive analysis was performed, using the T-test and Chi-square test to compare the characteristics of the groups. A multiple regression model was performed. RESULTS: The ERR group presented more non-functional oral activities related to awake bruxism than the control group, according to OBC (p = 0.027) and EMA (p = 0.035). In addition, the ERR group had higher EMG activity than the control group in rest and isotonic protocols (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Awake bruxism and greater masticatory muscle activity seem to be related to the presence of ERR in second molars adjacent to impacted mandibular third molars. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of the present study can reinforce the theory that triggering ERR in the second molars adjacent to impacted mandibular third molars may be related to mechanical forces coming from the masticatory function.

Pain, smartphone overuse and stress in physiotherapy university students: An observational cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and stress levels in university students in the health area. The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of pain in the cervical region, lumbar spine, and upper and lower limbs in university students in the final year of physiotherapy; and to determine the correlation between smartphone overuse, stress level, and musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: This is observational cross-sectional study. Students completed an online questionnaire containing sociodemographic information, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Smartphone Addiction Scale Short-version (SAS-SV), Job Stress Scale, and Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODI). The Biserial-point correlation test and Spearman correlationvtest was performed. RESULTS: In total, 42 university students participated in the study. The results indicate a high prevalence of students with cervical pain (83.3%), lumbar pain (76.2%), shoulder (57.1%) and wrist (52.4%). Correlations were found in the comparison of the SAS-SV versus NDI (p < 0.001, R = 0.517) and neck pain (p = 0.020, R = 0.378). The stress scale versus pain in the upper back (p = 0.008, R = 0.348), elbow (p = 0.047, R = 0.347), wrist (p = 0.021, R = 0.406), and knee (p = 0.028, R = 0.323), pain in the wrist versus high scores in the SAS-SV (p = 0.021, R = 0.367), and also hours spent using the smartphone versus pain in the hip (total time: p = 0.003, R = 446; work: p = 0.041, R = 0.345; recreation: p = 0.045, R = 0.308). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of pain in the cervical and lumbar regions in university students in the final year of Physiotherapy. A correlation was found between neck disability, neck and upper back pain and overuse of the smartphone and stress.

Influence of smartphone use on the median frequency of mastigatory and trapezius muscles in women - a Pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: The use of smartphones is growing every year, and their excessive use can cause adverse physical and mental effects. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of smartphone use on the median frequency of the masticatory muscles and upper trapezius muscles in healthy women. METHOD: Six healthy young women were evaluated. All the volunteers underwent a submaximal bite test to evaluate their masticatory muscles. In addition, the volunteers underwent a test for bilateral shoulder elevation to a submaximal load to evaluate their upper trapezius muscles. Both protocols were performed before and after a task using the smartphone for 30 min. Median frequency (MF) values were collected during the submaximal bite and submaximal shoulder elevation tests. RESULTS: Data were analyzed using specific statistical tests. A statistically significant reduction in the MF for all the masticatory muscles was observed in the bilateral bite task when comparing pre and post smartphone use (p < 0.005). A significant reduction in the MF was also found for the right upper trapezius when comparing pre and post smartphone use in the shoulder elevation task (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: It appears that prolonged smartphone use may contribute to fatigue in the masticatory and upper trapezius muscles. Therefore, guidelines for smartphone users should include advice on the moderate use of this device.

Translation of the short version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale into Brazilian Portuguese: cross-cultural adaptation and testing of measurement properties.

BACKGROUND: Smartphone use has been constantly increasing. Smartphone addiction can lead to changes in the emotional state and musculoskeletal system of users. To identify smartphone addicts, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version was developed; however, this scale has not been translated into Brazilian Portuguese and tested for its measurement properties. OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version into Brazilian Portuguese; to assess the internal consistency, reliability and construct validity of the scale among university students. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation was performed following the guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures, and data were collected via online surveys administered to 59 university students over 18 years of age for test-retest. To test the measurement properties of the final version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, a convenience sample including 130 university students was used. RESULTS: The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version showed good reliability for test-retest scores (ICC3,1=0.82; 95% CI=0.70-0.89) and good internal consistency considering all 10 items (Cronbach's alpha=0.95). The construct validity was calculated comparing the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version score to data from a questionnaire prepared by the authors of this study, including frequency per day (r=0.35; p<0.001), leisure time on the smartphone (r=0.33; p<0.001), and time working on the smartphone (r=0.18; p=0.04) that were significantly positively associated with higher Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version scores. The results show a high prevalence of smartphone addiction among university students (33.1%). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version is a reliable and valid tool for screening smartphone addiction in university students.

Maximum bilateral bite strength and RMS EMG for the diagnosis of myogenic TMD

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the maximum bilateral molar bite force and the Root Mean Square (RMS) Electromyography (EMG) index of the masticatory muscles in the maximum bilateral molar bite (MMBMax) of women with myogenic Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) and asymptomatic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, composed of 86 women allocated to the TMD Group (n=43) and Control Group (n=43) diagnosis through the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. The maximum bilateral molar bite force was evaluated using a bite dynamometer and the RMS EMG index of the masticatory muscles (anterior temporalis, masseter) during 5 seconds of the MMBMax task. Student t-test was used for data comparison between accuracy of the bite force and RMS EMG of masticatory muscles during the MMBMax. Results: The maximum bilateral molar bite force showed high accuracy (AUC=0.99) for the diagnosis of women with myogenic TMD and asymptomatic women, and the RMS EMG index evaluated during the MMBMax showed a moderate level of accuracy for all masticatory muscles (AUC=0.70 to 0.75). Conclusion: The bilateral bite dynamometer with a surface EMG during bilateral bite can be used to diagnose TMD in young women

Analysis of co-contraction of the trunk muscles in the side bridge stabilization exercise w ith different unstable surfaces / Análise da cocontração dos músculos do tronco no exercício de estabilização prancha lateral com diferentes superfícies instáveis

The muscle co-contraction is a phenomenon characterized by the simultaneous contraction of two or more muscles around a joint. The objective of this study was to compare the antagonist co-contraction of the local and global trunk muscles during side bridge exercise, in four situations: (a) stable; (b) instability in the upper limbs with bosu; (c) instability in the upper limbs with disc and (d) double instability. The sample consisted of 20 male volunteers and data collection was performed with simple differential surface electrodes. The electromyographic activity was collected from the Rectus Abdominis (RA), Internal Oblique Abdominis (IO), Multifidus (MF) and Erector Spinae (ES). Were utilized specific routines developed in the Matlab program (Mathworks Natick, USA) to calculate the percentage of antagonist co-contraction between local (IO/MF) and global muscles (RA/ES). The collected data were submitted to parametric statistical analysis (repeated measures ANOVA) or non-parametric (Friedman). The results demonstrated that no significant differences were observed in the pattern of global and local co-contraction in the different side bridge exercises with and without unstable surface. It is concluded that the use of unstable surface in the side bridge stabilization exercise does not increase the level of co-contraction of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles compared to normal stability. However, future studies should use a longer time ofisometric contraction in trunk stabilization exercises to optimize the understanding of the effects of different unstable equipment on global and local levels of co-contraction of the trunk muscles

A cocontração muscular é um fenômeno caracterizado pela contração simultânea de dois ou mais músculos em torno de uma articulação. Objetivou-se comparar a cocontração antagonista da musculatura local e global do tronco durante o exercício prancha lateral, em quatro situações: (a) estável; (b) instabilidade no membro superior com bosu; (c) instabilidade no membro superior com disco e (d) instabilidade dupla. A amostra foi composta por 20 voluntários do gênero masculino e a coleta de dados foi realizada com eletrodos de superfície diferenciais simples. A atividade eletromiográfica foi coletada dos músculos Reto do Abdome (RA), Oblíquo Interno do Abdome (OI), Multifido (MU) e Eretor da Espinha (EE). Foram utilizadasrotinas específicas desenvolvidas no programa Matlab (Mathworks Natick, EUA) para calcular a porcentagem de cocontração antagonista entre os músculos locais (OI / MU) e globais (RA / ES). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística paramétrica (ANOVA medidas repetidas) ou não paramétrica (Friedman). Os resultados demonstraram que não foram observadas diferenças significativas no padrão de cocontração global e local nos distintos exercícios de prancha lateral com e sem superfície instável. Conclui-se que a utilização de superfície instável no exercício de estabilização de prancha lateral não aumenta o nível de cocontração dos músculos flexores e extensores do tronco em comparação a estabilidade normal. Todavia, futuros estudosdevem utilizar um tempo maior de contração isométrica nos exercícios de estabilização do tronco para otimizar a compreensão dos efeitos dos diferentes equipamentos instáveis sobre os níveis de cocontração global e local dos músculos do tronco.

Efeito da mobilização das raízes nervosas lombares sobre a força e flexibilidade dos músculos do membro inferior / Effect of the mobilization in lumbar nerve roots on muscle strength and flexibility of the lower limb

Introdução: A mobilização neural é bastante aplicada na pratica clínica. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da mobilização neural das raízes lombares na força e flexibilidade dos músculos flexores e extensores do joelho. Métodos: Foram selecionados 14 homens (22,4±2,87 anos) saudáveis. A flexibilidade foi avaliada para flexão de joelho (FJD e FJE), extensão de quadril (EQD e EQE) e coluna lombar (FL). A força muscular foi avaliada para flexão e extensão do joelho. As avaliações foram realizadas antes da técnica (PRÉ), imediatamente após (PÓS1) e uma semana após (PÓS2). Resultados: Nas avaliações PÓS1 e PÓS2 foi observado aumento significativo da força muscular na FJE. Para a flexibilidade, na avaliação PÓS1, observou-se aumento significativo na FJE, EQD e EQE. Conclusão: A técnica de mobilização neural promoveu aumento da força dos músculos flexores de joelho esquerdo e da flexibilidade no movimento de flexão de joelho esquerdo, extensão de quadril direito e esquerdo em homens sedentários saudáveis.

Introduction: Neural mobilization is widely applied in clinical practice. Aim: To evaluate the effect of neural mobilization of the lumbar roots on the strength and flexibility of the knee and hip muscles. Methods: We selected 14 men (22.4 ± 2.87 years) healthy. Flexibility was evaluated during knee flexion movements (KFR and KFL), extension of the hip (HER and HEL) and for the lumbar spine (LS). Assessment of muscle strength was performed for the knee movements. The evaluations were performed before the neural mobilization (PRE), immediately after (POST1) and one week after (POST2). Results: In the POST1 and POST2 was a significant increase in muscle strength in KFL. For flexibility, the POST1 evaluation, it was observed significant increase in KFL, HER, and HEL. In the evaluation POST2, a significant increase flexibility in LS and reduction in KFL. Conclusion: The neural mobilization promoted increased strength of the flexor muscles of the left knee, increased flexibility in the KFL, HER, HEL and LS.

Ergonomic risk and work-related musculoskeletal disorder in machine and equipment manufacturing workers / Risco ergonômico e distúrbio osteomuscular relacionado ao trabalho em trabalhadores de fabricação de máquinas e equipamentos

Introduction: Workers of the metallurgical industry are constantly exposed to occupational risk factors that can lead to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). These disorders are highly debilitating, generating losses to workers, companies and the State. Objective: To identify and verify the connection between risk factors and WMSDs in metallurgical workers in the manufacture of machinery and equipment. Method: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study that involves registered workers of the Occupational Health Reference Service (Cerest) in São Paulo state. The survey was conducted through review of electronic medical records. Results: 2116 electronic medical records were analyzed, from these, 36 were considered for the sample. We observed that 91.6% (n = 33) of the participants were men, age range from 29 to 62 years and the most prevalent occupational status was unemployment (47.3% (n = 17)). The WMSDs were found in the upper limbs and spine region, predominantly spine. Repetitiveness was the most prevailing risk factor (94.4% (n = 34)). A connection between repetitiveness (p = 0.0046) and physical exertion (p = 0.001) with symptoms in the spine was detected. Conclusion: The spine is the main body region affected in these workers. There was a link between repetitiveness and physical exertion with the symptoms of spine pain. The results strengthen the need for interventions in the workplace to minimize repetitive work and excessive physical exertion seeking prevention and workers' health promotion.

Introdução: O trabalhador do setor de metalurgia está constantemente exposto a fatores de risco no ambiente de trabalho que podem levar ao surgimento de distúrbios relacionadas ao trabalho (Dort). Esses distúrbios são altamente incapacitantes, trazendo prejuízos para os trabalhadores, empresas e para o Estado. Objetivo: Identificar e verificar associação entre os fatores de risco e as DORT nos trabalhadores do setor de metalurgia, na atividade de fabricação de máquinas e equipamentos. Método: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico transversal, envolvendo trabalhadores cadastrados em um Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador (Cerest) do interior do Estado de SP. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de avaliação de prontuários eletrônicos. Resultados: Foram analisados 2116 prontuários eletrônicos, desses, 36 foram considerados na amostra. Observou-se que 91,6% (n = 33) dos sujeitos eram homens, a faixa etária variou entre 29 - 62 anos. A situação ocupacional mais prevalente foi a de desemprego, 47,3% (n = 17). Os Dort foram encontrados em membros superiores e região de coluna. A repetitividade foi o fator de risco mais prevalente (94,4% (n = 34)). Foi encontrada associação entre repetitividade (p = 0,0046) e esforço físico (p = 0,001) com sintomas na coluna vertebral. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a coluna vertebral é a principal região corporal acometida nesses trabalhadores. Houve uma associação entre repetitividade e esforço físico com os sintomas de dor na região da coluna. Isso reforça a necessidade de intervenções no ambiente de trabalho, visando minimizar o trabalho repetitivo e o esforço físico excessivo, buscando a prevenção e promoção na saúde do trabalhador.

Proprioceptive exercise with bosu maximizes electromyographic activity of the ankle muscles / Exercício proprioceptivo com bosu maximiza atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos do tornozelo

Ankle sprains are commonly related to sporty activities and often associated with decreases in sensorimotor control, including proprioception, muscle strength and balance. The use of unstable surfaces in the fields of rehabilitation and general fitness has been shown to be effective in increasing the sensory efficiency of soft tissues that stabilize the knee and ankle as well as improving the agonist-antagonist co-contraction. The aim of this study was to analyze the EMG activity of the ankle muscles ­ the tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL) and medial head of the gastrocnemius (GM) during proprioceptive exercises using the BOSU compared to other devices traditionally used (balance platform, trampoline and proprioceptive disk). Eleven male volunteers were recruited and data collection was performed using single differential surface electrodes. The EMG signal was recorded and expressed as root mean square, which was normalized by the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The data were subjected to parametric statistical analysis, using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. The results showed that the BOSU provided greater activity in the ankle muscles than the most proprioceptive devices, accordingly, the BOSU is a device that should be employed to diversify programs of prevention/rehabilitation for lower limb injuries, preferentially in advanced stages of these approaches.

As entorses de tornozelo são comumente relacionadas com atividades desportivas e muitas vezes estão associados com diminuição no controle sensório-motor, incluindo a propriocepção, força muscular e equilíbrio. A utilização de superfícies instáveis nas áreas de reabilitação e condicionamento físico geral têm sido eficaz no aumento da eficiência sensorial dos tecidos moles que estabilizam o joelho e tornozelo e na melhora da cocontração agonistaantagonista. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos tibial anterior (TA), fibular longo (FL) e cabeça medial do gastrocnêmio (GM) durante o exercício proprioceptivo com bosu e comparar com diferentes aparelhos tradicionalmente utilizados (balancinho, cama elástica e disco proprioceptivo). Onze voluntários do gênero masculino foram recrutados e a coleta de dados foi realizada utilizando-se eletrodos de superfície diferencial simples. O sinal eletromiográfico foi quantificado pela Raiz Quadrada da Média (root mean square -RMS) e normalizado pela Contração Isométrica Voluntária Máxima. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística paramétrica, empregando-se teste de análise de variância de medidas repetidas (ANOVA). Os resultados demonstraram que o bosu proporcionou maior atividade nos músculos do tornozelo em relação a maioria dos aparelhos proprioceptivos , desta forma, o bosu é um dispositivo que deve ser utilizado para diversificar um programa de prevenção ou reabilitação de lesões de membro inferior, preferencialmente em estágios avançados destes programas.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in dysphonic women.

BACKGROUND: studies indicate correlation between dysphonia and muscle tension. AIM: to evaluate bilaterally the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles (SH), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and trapezius (T), the presence of pain and the voice, after applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). METHOD: ten (10) women with nodules or bilateral mucus thickening, and phonation fissure. Volunteers were submitted to 10 TENS sessions (200 micros and 10 Hz) for 30 minutes. Pain was evaluated using an analogical visual scale; the voice was evaluated through laryngoscopy and through a perceptive-auditory and acoustic analysis; and the myoelectric signal was converted using the Root Media Square (RMS). Voice and EMG data gathering was performed during the production of the E/vowel and during spontaneous speech (SS). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Shapiro-Wilk Test followed by the Wilcoxon Test, or t Student, or Friedman Test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: It was observed that the TENS decreased the RMS readings, pre and pos treatment, for the Right T (RT) (2.80 +/- 1.36 to 1.77 +/- 0.93), the Left T (LT) (3.62 +/- 2.10 to 2.10 +/- 1.06), the Left SCM (LSCM) (2.64 +/- 0.69 to 1.94 +/- 0.95), and the SH (11.59 +/- 7.72 to 7.82 +/- 5.95) during the production of the E/vowel; and for the RT (3.56 +/- 2.77 to 1.93 +/- 1.13), the LT (4.68 +/- 2.56 to 3.09 +/- 2.31), the Right SCM (RSCM) (3.94 +/- 2.04 to 2.51 +/- 1.87), and the LSCM (3.54 +/- 1.04 to 3.12 +/- 3.00) during SS. A relieve in pain was also observed. Regarding the voice analysis, there was a decrease in level of laryngeal injuries; no difference was observed during the production of the E/vowel in the perceptive-auditory analysis; there was a decrease in the level of dysphonia and hoarseness during SS. CONCLUSION: TENS is effective in improving the clinical and functional signs of dysphonic women.

Postura crânio-cervical em mulheres disfônicas / Craniocervical posture in dysphonic women

OBJETIVO: Analisar a postura e a função da região crânio-cervical em sujeitos disfônicos. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 28 mulheres (31,25±8,14 anos), divididas em dois grupos: experimental (N=16 portadoras de disfonia) e controle (N=12 clinicamente normais). As voluntárias foram submetidas à avaliação do Índice de Disfunção Crânio-Cervical (IDCC) e fotogrametria, sendo determinado o ângulo anterior formado entre a sétima vértebra cervical e o tragus, o qual corresponde à posição da cabeça no plano sagital. A análise das fotos foi realizada por três examinadores, duas vezes cada um, com intervalo de uma semana entre elas. A análise dos dados constou do teste de Shapiro-Wilk, seguido do teste t de Student, (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Em relação à fotogrametria, não houve diferença (p=0,2565) entre os valores médios do ângulo anterior do grupo controle (50,92±5,18 graus) e do grupo experimental (49,63±5,46 graus). O IDCC mostrou que o grupo experimental apresentou disfunção crânio-cervical, sendo 37,5 por cento leve, 37,5 por cento moderada e 25 por cento severa. Já no grupo controle 100 por cento das voluntárias apresentaram disfunção crânio-cervical leve. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve diferença na posição da cabeça entre os grupos avaliados. Porém, as mulheres disfônicas apresentaram disfunção crânio-cervical mais acentuada que as do grupo controle.

Purpose: To analyze the posture and the function of the craniocervical region in women with dysphonia. METHODS: Twenty eight women participated in the study (31.25±8.14 years), divided into two groups: experimental (N=16, patients with dyphonia) and control (N=12, clinically normal). The volunteers were submitted to evaluation of the Craniocervical Dysfunction Index (CDI) and photogrammetry, determining the anterior angle formed between the seventh cervical vertebra and the tragus, which corresponds to the head position in the sagittal plane. The analysis of the photos was carried out by three examiners, twice each, with an interval of one week between them. Data analysis used the Shapiro-Wilk test, followed by the Student's t-test, (p<0,05). RESULTS: No difference was found between the mean values of the anterior angle of the control (50.92±5.18 degrees) and the experimental (49.63±5.46 degrees) groups in the photogrammetry (p=0.2565). The CDI showed that the experimental group had craniocervical dysfunction, which was mild in 37.5 percent of the cases, moderate, in 37.5 percent, and severe in 25 percent. In the control group, 100 percent of the volunteers had presented mild craniocervical dysfunction. CONCLUSION: There was no difference between the evaluated groups regarding head position. However, dysphonic women presented more severe craniocervical dysfunction than the group control.

Estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea em mulheres disfônicas / Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in dysphonic women

TEMA: estudos mostram correlação entre disfonia e tensão muscular. OBJETIVO: avaliar a atividade elétrica dos músculos supra-hióideos (SH), esternocleidomastóideo (ECM) e trapézio (T) bilateralmente, a dor e a voz, após aplicação da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS). MÉTODO: participaram dez mulheres com nódulos ou espessamento mucoso bilateral e fenda à fonação. As voluntárias receberam dez sessões de TENS (200µs e 10Hz) por 30 minutos. A dor foi avaliada pela escala visual analógica, a voz por meio de laringoscopia, análise perceptivo-auditiva e acústica e o sinal mioelétrico pela raiz quadrada da média (RMS). A coleta dos dados de voz e EMG deu-se por emissão da vogal /E/ e fala espontânea. A análise estatística constou do teste de Shapiro-Wilk, seguido do teste de Wilcoxon ou t Student ou de Friedman (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: observou-se que a TENS diminuiu o RMS, pré e pós-tratamento, para TD (2,80 ± 1,36 para 1,77 ± 0,93), TE (3,62 ± 2,10 para 2,10 ± 1,06), ECME (2,64 ± 0,69 para 1,94 ± 0,95) e SH (11,59 ± 7,72 para 7,82 ± 5,95) durante a emissão da vogal /E/, e TD (3,56 ± 2,77 para 1,93 ± 1,13), TE (4,68 ± 2,56 para 3,09 ± 2,31), ECMD (3,94 ± 2,04 para 2,51 ± 1,87) e ECME (3,54 ± 1,04 para 3,12 ± 3,00) durante a fala espontânea (FE), além da diminuição da dor. Quanto à voz, ocorreu diminuição do grau das lesões laríngeas e, na análise perceptivo-auditiva, não houve diferença durante a emissão da vogal /E/, porém durante a FE ocorreu diminuição do grau de disfonia e rouquidão. CONCLUSÃO: a TENS é eficaz na melhora do quadro clínico e funcional de mulheres disfônicas.

BACKGROUND: studies indicate correlation between dysphonia and muscle tension. AIM: to evaluate bilaterally the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles (SH), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and trapezius (T), the presence of pain and the voice, after applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). METHOD: ten (10) women with nodules or bilateral mucus thickening, and phonation fissure. Volunteers were submitted to 10 TENS sessions (200µs and 10Hz) for 30 minutes. Pain was evaluated using an analogical visual scale; the voice was evaluated through laryngoscopy and through a perceptive-auditory and acoustic analysis; and the myoelectric signal was converted using the Root Media Square (RMS). Voice and EMG data gathering was performed during the production of the E/vowel and during spontaneous speech (SS). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Shapiro-Wilk Test followed by the Wilcoxon Test, or t Student, or Friedman Test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: It was observed that the TENS decreased the RMS readings, pre and pos treatment, for the Right T (RT) (2.80 ± 1.36 to 1.77 ± 0.93), the Left T (LT) (3.62 ± 2.10 to 2.10 ± 1.06), the Left SCM (LSCM) (2.64 ± 0.69 to 1.94 ± 0.95), and the SH (11.59 ± 7.72 to 7.82 ± 5.95) during the production of the E/vowel; and for the RT (3.56 ± 2.77 to 1.93 ± 1.13), the LT (4.68 ± 2.56 to 3.09 ± 2.31), the Right SCM (RSCM) (3.94 ± 2.04 to 2.51 ± 1.87), and the LSCM (3.54 ± 1.04 to 3.12 ± 3.00) during SS. A relieve in pain was also observed. Regarding the voice analysis, there was a decrease in level of laryngeal injuries; no difference was observed during the production of the E/vowel in the perceptive-auditory analysis; there was a decrease in the level of dysphonia and hoarseness during SS. CONCLUSION: TENS is effective in improving the clinical and functional signs of dysphonic women.