Gamma-Band Frequency Analysis and Motor Development in Music-Trained Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the gamma-band frequency and motor performance of children with and without music training.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 31 right-handed children, 6-11 years old, who were allocated to two groups: 1) the music group (MG), including children who attended preschool and musical training (n = 16), and 2) the no-music group (NMG), including children who attended preschool but received no additional music training (n = 15). The outcomes were gamma-band frequency measured by electroencephalography, manual dexterity, aim-and-catch, and static and dynamic balance abilities measured by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, and fine motor skills, overall motor skills, balance, corporal body scheme, spatial organization, temporal orientation, and general motor quotient (GMQ) by a Brazilian scale for motor development.Results: There 1was a significant difference between groups in the peak frequency (p = 0.0195) and median frequency (p = 0.0070) in the F3-F4 regions. Static and dynamic balance (p = 0.03), temporal orientation (p < 0.01), and GMQ (p < 0.03) were higher in MG than in NMG.Conclusion: The musically trained children had increased gamma-peak frequency in the frontal region and greater temporal orientation, balance, and the overall motor quotient.

Single session of action observation in choice reaction time in healthy children

Abstract Aim: Learning by action observation (AO) is a fundamental cognitive ability existing from birth either in live or in the video. However, the specific AO training, in live or in the video, can influence decision making and motor planning in healthy children? This study aimed to evaluate if a single session of both practices (live and video) modifies the choice reaction time during reaching tasks in healthy children. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and randomized study with 22 children aged 6 to 8 years. We measured the choice reaction time (CRT) by electromyography at baseline and after both practices. Data were analyzed using Friedman and posthoc Dunn non-parametric tests for each age group individually as well as all ages combined. Kurtosis analysis was performed to assess data variability. Results: Significant decrease in CRT was observed after action observation in the video in 8-year-olds. Also, we observed choice reaction time variability reduction in 8-year-olds after both practices compared to that at baseline. Conclusion: A decrease in CRT was observed after the single session of action observation in the video in 8-year-olds. Additionally, there was a reduced variability in CRT after performing both practices in the same age group.

Effect of Osteopathic Visceral Manipulation on Pain, Cervical Range of Motion, and Upper Trapezius Muscle Activity in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain and Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.

Previous studies have reported that visceral disturbances can lead to increased musculoskeletal tension and pain in structures innervated from the corresponding spinal level through viscerosomatic reflexes. We designed a pilot randomised placebo-controlled study using placebo visceral manipulation as the control to evaluate the effect of osteopathic visceral manipulation (OVM) of the stomach and liver on pain, cervical mobility, and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius (UT) muscle in individuals with nonspecific neck pain (NS-NP) and functional dyspepsia. Twenty-eight NS-NP patients were randomly assigned into two groups: treated with OVM (OVMG; n = 14) and treated with placebo visceral manipulation (PVMG; n = 14). The effects were evaluated immediately and 7 days after treatment through pain, cervical range, and electromyographic activity of the UT muscle. Significant effects were confirmed immediately after treatment (OVMG and PVMG) for numeric rating scale scores (p < 0.001) and pain area (p < 0.001). Significant increases in EMG amplitude were identified immediately and 7 days after treatment for the OVMG (p < 0.001). No differences were identified between the OVMG and the PVMG for cervical range of motion (p > 0.05). This study demonstrated that a single visceral mobilisation session for the stomach and liver reduces cervical pain and increases the amplitude of the EMG signal of the UT muscle immediately and 7 days after treatment in patients with nonspecific neck pain and functional dyspepsia.

Impact of mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery on quality of life of women after breast cancer / Impacto da mastectomia e da cirurgia conservadora na qualidade de vida de mulheres pós-câncer de mama

Breast cancer is public health problem, in Brazil, it is estimated 57,960 new cases for the biennium of 2016/2017. Conservative surgery is considered the procedure of choice in the initial stage, including tumor removal involving a border of normal tissue, with preservation of breast tissue. While mastectomy, or non-conservative surgery, includes the removal of the entire breast tissue, with the removal of the pectoralis major and minor. Surgical interventions performed in women with breast cancer can cause physical, emotional/psychological, social and sexual repercussions that generate negative impact in their life. Considering that, this study was conducted over the hypothesis: what is the impact of breast cancer removal surgery in quality of life of women from São José dos Campos and Jacareí cities, aiming to recognize the variables that affect their qualityof daily life, and to improve the assistance offered during physical therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the quality of life among women underwent mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer and how it could impact their socio-demographic aspects. This was a transversal descriptive study with exploratory character. The sample consisted of 105 women post breast cancer with mean age of 55.4 ± 11.1 years old, divided into two groups according to the kind of surgery performed. It was used the quality of life questionnaire SF-36 “Short-Form Health Survey” and a socio-demographic questionnaire...(AU)

O câncer de mama é um problema de saúde pública, no Brasil, as estimativas para o biênio de 2016/2017, apontam para57.960 novos casos. A cirurgia conservadora é considerada o procedimento de escolha no estágio inicial, incluindo aremoção do tumor envolvendo uma borda de tecido normal, com preservação do tecido mamária, enquanto a mastectomia(ou cirurgia não-conservadora) inclui a remoção de todo o tecido mamário, com a remoção do peitoral maior e menor.As intervenções cirúrgicas realizadas em mulheres com câncer de mama podem causar repercussões físicas, emocionais,psicológicas, sociais e sexuais que geram impacto negativo em sua qualidade de vida. Levando isso em consideração, ahipótese deste estudo foi baseada na questão: qual é o impacto das cirurgias de remoção do câncer de mama na qualidadede vida de mulheres das cidades de São José dos Campos e Jacareí. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar aqualidade de vida entre mulheres submetidas à mastectomia e cirurgia conservadora da mama após o diagnóstico de câncerde mama e como isso poderia ser impactado pelos aspectos sócio demográficos...(AU)

Impact of mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery on quality of life of women after breast cancer / Impacto da mastectomia e da cirurgia conservadora na qualidade de vida de mulheres pós-câncer de mama

Breast cancer is public health problem, in Brazil, it is estimated 57,960 new cases for the biennium of 2016/2017. Conservative surgery is considered the procedure of choice in the initial stage, including tumor removal involving a border of normal tissue, with preservation of breast tissue. While mastectomy, or non-conservative surgery, includes the removal of the entire breast tissue, with the removal of the pectoralis major and minor. Surgical interventions performed in women with breast cancer can cause physical, emotional/psychological, social and sexual repercussions that generate negative impact in their life. Considering that, this study was conducted over the hypothesis: what is the impact of breast cancer removal surgery in quality of life of women from São José dos Campos and Jacareí cities, aiming to recognize the variables that affect their qualityof daily life, and to improve the assistance offered during physical therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the quality of life among women underwent mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer and how it could impact their socio-demographic aspects. This was a transversal descriptive study with exploratory character. The sample consisted of 105 women post breast cancer with mean age of 55.4 ± 11.1 years old, divided into two groups according to the kind of surgery performed. It was used the quality of life questionnaire SF-36 "Short-Form Health Survey" and a socio-demographic questionnaire...

O câncer de mama é um problema de saúde pública, no Brasil, as estimativas para o biênio de 2016/2017, apontam para57.960 novos casos. A cirurgia conservadora é considerada o procedimento de escolha no estágio inicial, incluindo aremoção do tumor envolvendo uma borda de tecido normal, com preservação do tecido mamária, enquanto a mastectomia(ou cirurgia não-conservadora) inclui a remoção de todo o tecido mamário, com a remoção do peitoral maior e menor.As intervenções cirúrgicas realizadas em mulheres com câncer de mama podem causar repercussões físicas, emocionais,psicológicas, sociais e sexuais que geram impacto negativo em sua qualidade de vida. Levando isso em consideração, a hipótese deste estudo foi baseada na questão: qual é o impacto das cirurgias de remoção do câncer de mama na qualidade de vida de mulheres das cidades de São José dos Campos e Jacareí. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a qualidade de vida entre mulheres submetidas à mastectomia e cirurgia conservadora da mama após o diagnóstico de câncer de mama e como isso poderia ser impactado pelos aspectos sócio demográficos...

Effects of vibration therapy in the musculoskeletal system in post-surgical breast cancer women: longitudinal controlled clinical study

Abstract: Introduction The biomechanical changes that arise after breast cancer increase the need for new rehabilitation programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate medium- and long-term effects of vibration therapy on pain intensity, range of motion, myoelectric activity, and muscle strength of post-surgical breast cancer women. Methods This controlled longitudinal clinical study was composed of 14 breast cancer women, who underwent vibration therapy treatment (VTG), and 14 healthy women, who constituted the control group (CG). The VTG performed ten 15-minutes sessions of vibration therapy on their affected upper limb. The volunteers were evaluated before and after treatment protocol, and three months later. Results We observed an attenuation of pain intensity after vibration therapy (p < 0.0001) and significant increase in range of motion during extension, abduction, and adduction movements of the horizontal shoulder. We noticed a trend in the reduction of compensatory movements, which activated the muscle contraction mechanism. The scapular dynamometer values for shoulder strength were significant. The VTG had less muscle strength than the CG in all situations: before treatment (p < 0.0001), after treatment (p = 0.0024), and 3 months later (p = 0.0008). The VTG increased muscle strength after treatment (p = 0.0005) and 3 months later (p = 0.0006). Conclusion Vibration therapy attenuated pain symptoms, improved shoulder movements, activated muscle contraction mechanism, and increased shoulder strength, which may be benefits of the conducted physical therapy.

Effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT 808 nm) on lower limb spastic muscle activity in chronic stroke patients.

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) may affect basic motor functions, including spasticity that may be present in the upper extremity and/or the lower extremity, post-stroke. Spasticity causes pain, muscle force reduction, and decreases the time to onset of muscle fatigue. Several therapeutic resources have been employed to treat CVA to promote functional recovery. The clinical use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for rehabilitation of muscular disorders has provided better muscle responses. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of LLLT in spastic muscles in patients with spasticity post-CVA. A double-blind clinical trial was conducted with 15 volunteer stroke patients who presented with post-stroke spasticity. Both males and females were treated; the average age was 51.5 ± 11.8 years old; the participants entered the study ranging from 11 to 48 months post-stroke onset. The patients participated in three consecutive phases (control, placebo, and real LLLT), in which all tests of isometric endurance of their hemiparetic lower limb were performed. LLLT (diode laser, 100 mW 808 nm, beam spot area 0.0314 cm(2), 127.39 J/cm(2)/point, 40 s) was applied before isometric endurance. After the real LLLT intervention, we observed significant reduction in the visual analogue scale for pain intensity (p = 0.0038), increased time to onset of muscle fatigue (p = 0.0063), and increased torque peak (p = 0.0076), but no significant change in the root mean square (RMS) value (electric signal in the motor unit during contraction, as obtained with surface electromyography). Our results suggest that the application of LLLT may contribute to increased recruitment of muscle fibers and, hence, to increase the onset time of the spastic muscle fatigue, reducing pain intensity in stroke patients with spasticity, as has been observed in healthy subjects and athletes.

Immediate effects of low-intensity laser (808 nm) on fatigue and strength of spastic muscle.

The cerebrovascular accident (CVA), high-impact disease II, affects the basic functions of the limbs, leading to changes of sensory, language, and motor functions. The search for resources that minimize the damage caused by this disease grows every day. The clinical use of low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) has provided major breakthroughs in the treatment of muscular disorders and prevention of muscle fatigue. Thus, the objective of the present study is to analyze the answers and immediate adaptations of the rectus femoris and vastus medialis of spastic hemiparetic patients, facing the increase in peak torque and triggering muscle fatigue, after application of LILT. Double-blind clinical trials were conducted with 15 volunteers post-CVA with spasticity, of both genders, between 40 and 80 years old. To this end, the volunteers went through three consecutive stages of rating (control, placebo, and laser). All performed tests of isometric contraction on the patient's hemiparetic side. Significant differences were observed with regard to the increase in muscle performance (p = 0.0043) and the reduction in blood lactate concentration (p < 0.0001) of the post-LILT muscles. The LILT (diode laser, l100 mW 808 nm, 4.77 J/cm(2)/point, 40 s/AP) can be employed during and after spastic muscle-strengthening exercises, contributing to the improvement of motor function of the patient. After application of LILT, we found increased torque as well as decreased in lactate level in patients with spasticity.

Correlação da dor e qualidade de vida de mulheres pós-tratamento cirúrgico de câncer de mama / Correlation pain-quality of life in women after being submitted to surgical treatment of breast cancer

O câncer de mama, considerado mais incidente na população feminina, provoca alterações físico-funcionais e emocionaisque dificulta as atividades de vida diária, gerando impacto na qualidade de vida das mulheres. O objetivo desteestudo foi caracterizar a influência da síndrome dolorosa pós mastectomia, correlacionando dor e qualidade de vida. Foirealizado um estudo descritivo-exploratório com abordagem quantitativa por meio do questionário de Qualidade de VidaSF-36. A amostra constou de 49 mulheres com idade média de 53,9 ± 8,8 anos, atendidas em Centros Especializados deOncologia da região. Não houve diferença significativa entre o domínio dor quando comparado aos demais domínios.Observou-se alta correlação entre o tempo pós-cirúrgico de 3 a 6 anos e o domínio dor (r = 0,90). Foi encontrado aumentosignificativo da dor entre mulheres idosas quando comparado as mais jovens (p = 0,05). Conclui-se com a realização destapesquisa que a dor relacionada ao câncer de mama é um sintoma clínico debilitante, porém não constitui o fator primáriopara o déficit da qualidade de vida, o qual é influenciado principalmente pelo aspecto emocional.(AU)

Breast cancer, which is more prevalent in the female population, causes physical, functional, and emotional changes thatmake daily activities difficult, affecting women’s quality of life. The aim of this study was to characterize the influence ofpost mastectomy pain syndrome, correlating pain and quality of life. We conducted a descriptive exploratory study with aquantitative approach using the Quality of Life Questionnaire SF-36. The sample consisted of 49 women with a mean ageof 53.9 ± 8.8 years, treated in Specialized Oncology Centers in the region. There was no significant difference between thepain domains compared to other domains. There was a high correlation between time after surgery, 3-6 years, and paindomain (r = 90). Older women had a significant increase in pain compared to younger ones (p = 05). This research foundthat the pain related to breast cancer is a debilitating clinical symptom, but not the primary factor for deficits in quality oflife, which is mainly influenced by emotional aspects.(AU)

Correlação da dor e qualidade de vida demulheres pós-tratamento cirúrgico de câncerde mama / Correlation pain-quality of life in women after being submittedto surgical treatment of breast cancer

O câncer de mama, considerado mais incidente na população feminina, provoca alterações físico-funcionais e emocionaisque dificulta as atividades de vida diária, gerando impacto na qualidade de vida das mulheres. O objetivo desteestudo foi caracterizar a influência da síndrome dolorosa pós mastectomia, correlacionando dor e qualidade de vida. Foirealizado um estudo descritivo-exploratório com abordagem quantitativa por meio do questionário de Qualidade de VidaSF-36. A amostra constou de 49 mulheres com idade média de 53,9 ± 8,8 anos, atendidas em Centros Especializados deOncologia da região. Não houve diferença significativa entre o domínio dor quando comparado aos demais domínios.Observou-se alta correlação entre o tempo pós-cirúrgico de 3 a 6 anos e o domínio dor (r = 0,90). Foi encontrado aumentosignificativo da dor entre mulheres idosas quando comparado as mais jovens (p = 0,05). Conclui-se com a realização destapesquisa que a dor relacionada ao câncer de mama é um sintoma clínico debilitante, porém não constitui o fator primáriopara o déficit da qualidade de vida, o qual é influenciado principalmente pelo aspecto emocional.

Breast cancer, which is more prevalent in the female population, causes physical, functional, and emotional changes thatmake daily activities difficult, affecting women’s quality of life. The aim of this study was to characterize the influence ofpost mastectomy pain syndrome, correlating pain and quality of life. We conducted a descriptive exploratory study with aquantitative approach using the Quality of Life Questionnaire SF-36. The sample consisted of 49 women with a mean ageof 53.9 ± 8.8 years, treated in Specialized Oncology Centers in the region. There was no significant difference between thepain domains compared to other domains. There was a high correlation between time after surgery, 3-6 years, and paindomain (r = 90). Older women had a significant increase in pain compared to younger ones (p = 05). This research foundthat the pain related to breast cancer is a debilitating clinical symptom, but not the primary factor for deficits in quality oflife, which is mainly influenced by emotional aspects.

Decomposição e análise dos potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico / Decomposition and analysis of auditory brainstem response

Os PEATEs são sinais resultantes da combinação de respostas de atividades neurais a estímulos sonoros no córtex. Caracteriza-se por ondas, sendo seus picos nomeados por algarismos romanos (I, II, III, IV, V, VI e VII). O processo clássico de identificação desses picos é baseado na visualização do sinal gerado pela promediação de cada amostra. Nele são identificadas as características morfológicas do sinal e os aspectos temporais relevantes constituídos pelas ondas de Jewett no qual cada onda tem uma relação anatômica com o sítio de origem. No entanto, durante esse processo de identificação visual surgem dificuldades que tornam a análise visual dos PEATE uma fonte constante de dúvidas em relação a fidedignidade e concordância de marcação dos picos pela subjetividade entre os examinadores. Com o objetivo de melhorar o processo de avaliação dos PEATE, foi desenvolvido um sistema de detecção automática para os picos, com capacidade de aprendizado que leva em consideração o perfil de marcação prévia realizado por examinadores, podendo ser considerado também, as marcações futuras de examinadores que utilizarão o software como auxílio em suas análises. Para a detecção de picos foi utilizada a Transformada Wavelet Contínua, associada a um Classificador Probabilístico construído a partir de marcações realizadas pelos examinadores. Para a avaliação do sistema foram utilizadas 748 amostras de PEATE de 11 sujeitos. A avaliação do sistema proposto apresentou uma taxa de acerto 74,3% a 99,7%, entre o sistema e a marcação manual, de acordo com o tipo de onda analisada. O presente estudo foi concebido com a intenção de ser uma ferramenta prática e por isso voltada para a aplicação clínica. Os resultados apresentados mostram uma técnica eficaz e capaz de aperfeiçoar o processo de avaliação dos PEATEs. A técnica proposta se mostra precisa mesmo na presença de ruído, característico de sinais biológicos especialmente no PEATE por ser um sinal de amplitude baixa.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) results from the combination of neural activity responses in the presence of sound stimuli, detected by the cortex and characterized by peaks and valleys. They are identified by Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII). The identification of these peaks is carried out by the classical manual process of analysis, which is based on the visual/manual processing of the signals. The morphological and temporal characteristics of the signal carry relevant physiological and anatomical information regarding the auditory system. However, in this visual process of analysis some difficulties may occur, specifically, the results of the analysis may vary according to the type of protocol, settings of equipment employed, and the experience of the examiner. This makes the analysis of ABR subject to the influence of many variables that may interfere on the reliability and agreement of results obtained in distinct research centers and by different examiners. Therefore, the main propose of this study was to develop and assess a system capable of automatically detecting and classifying ABR waves, which are called Jewett waves. A relevant feature of the proposed tool is that it can learn from the experience of examiners continuously. In order to evaluate the system approximately 748 samples of ABR obtained from 11 subjects were analyzed by the automatic system. These results were compared to analyses obtained from five seasoned examiners, and they showed a high level of agreement, ranging for 74.3% to 99.7%, between responses given by the system and the examiners. Thus the proposed technique is proved to be accurate even in the presence of noise, especially characteristic of the ABR that is a sign of low amplitude.

Análise da relação entre parâmetros da onda M e a dor / Analysis of the relationship between M wave parameters and pain

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor é uma sensação subjetiva e individual que causa muitos desconfortos para quem a sente. Dessa forma, é necessário por em prática métodos que a quantifiquem objetivamente. Vários estudos indicam que os potenciais evocados (PE) produzem respostas que podem refletir os processos dolorosos. Este estudo utilizou características extraídas da onda M, sendo esta um tipo de PE relacionado à resposta neuromuscular, como possíveis marcadores da sensação de dor.MÉTODO: Treze voluntários, sendo 6 do sexo masculino e 7 do sexo feminino, foram incluídos no estudo. Foram realizadas cinco sessões de um protocolo experimental. Em cada sessão o voluntário recebeu estímulos elétricos no músculo abdutor do hálux. Inicialmente foi aplicada uma corrente de 1 mA com 20 pulsos de 2 Hz. Depois a corrente elétrica foi incrementadade 1 mA em 1 mA até que o voluntário relatasse a dor máxima. Nos voluntários do sexo feminino foi registrado também o dia do ciclo menstrual em cada sessão do experimento. Foram avaliadas várias características das ondas M.RESULTADOS: O mínimo global da onda M é correlacionado com o aumento da amplitude da corrente elétrica do estímulo, consequentemente com o aumento da dor sentida pelo sujeito. Os participantes do sexo feminino relataram limiar e tolerância à dor com intensidades de corrente elétrica menor quando comparados aos voluntários do sexo masculino.CONCLUSÃO: O mínimo global da onda M mostrou relação com o aumento da sensação dolorosa sendo que no sexo masculino o limiar e a tolerância à dor foram maiores que no sexo feminino, e as diferentes fases do ciclo menstrual não interferiram nas avaliações.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain is a subjective and individual sensation causing major discomfort.So, it is necessary to put into practice methods to objectively quantify it. Several studies indicate that evoked potentials (EP) generate responses which may reflect painful processes. Our study has used characteristics extracted from the M wave, which is a type of EP related to neuromuscular response, as possible pain sensation markers.METHOD: Participated in this study 13 volunteers,being 6 males and 7 females. Five sessions of an experimental protocol were held. In each session, volunteers received electrical stimulations on the abductor hallucis muscle. Initially, 1 mA current with 20 pulses of 2 Hz was applied. Then, the electric current was incrementedin 1 mA until volunteer reported maximum pain. For female volunteers, menstrual cycle day in each session was also recorded. Several M wave characteristics were evaluated.RESULTS: Global minimum of the M wave is correlated to increased electric current amplitude of stimulation,and consequently to more pain felt by the individual. Female participants have reported pain threshold and tolerance with lower electric current intensity as compared to male volunteers.CONCLUSION: Global minimum of the M wave was related to increased pain and in males pain threshold and tolerance were higher as compared to females. Different menstrual cycle phases have not interfered with evaluations.

[Use of an artificial neural network to predict the incidence of malaria in the city of Cantá, state of Roraima]. / A utilização de uma rede neural artificial para previsão da incidência da malária no município de Cantá, estado de Roraima.

INTRODUCTION: Malaria is endemic in the Brazilian Amazon region, with different risks for each region. The City of Cantá, State of Roraima, presented one of the largest annual parasite indices in Brazil for the entire study period, with a value always greater than 50. The present study aimed to use an artificial neural network to predict the incidence of malaria in this city in order to assist health coordinators in planning and managing resources. METHODS: Data were collected on the website of the Ministry of Health, SIVEP--Malaria between 2003 and 2009. An artificial neural network was structured with three neurons in the input layer, two intermediate layers and an output layer with one neuron. A sigmoid activation function was used. In training, the backpropagation method was used, with a learning rate of 0.05 and momentum of 0.01. The stopping criterion was to reach 20,000 cycles or a target of 0.001. The data from 2003 to 2008 were used for training and validation. The results were compared with those from a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The results for all periods provided showed that the artificial neural network had a smaller mean square error and absolute error compared with the regression model for the year 2009. CONCLUSIONS: The artificial neural network proved to be adequate for a malaria forecasting system in the city studied, determining smaller predictive values with absolute errors compared to the logistic regression model and the actual values.

A utilização de uma rede neural artificial para previsão da incidência da malária no município de Cantá, estado de Roraima / Use of an artificial neural network to predict the incidence of malaria in the city of Cantá, state of Roraima

INTRODUÇÃO: A malária é uma doença endêmica na Amazônia Legal Brasileira, apresentando riscos diferentes para cada região. O Município de Cantá, no Estado de Roraima, apresentou para todo o período estudado, um dos maiores índices parasitários anuais do Brasil, com valor sempre maior que 50. O presente estudo visa à utilização de uma rede neural artificial para previsão da incidência da malária nesse município, a fim de auxiliar os coordenadores de saúde no planejamento e gestão dos recursos. MÉTODOS: Os dados foram coletados no site do Ministério da Saúde, SIVEP - Malária entre 2003 e 2009. Estruturou-se uma rede neural artificial com três neurônios na camada de entrada, duas camadas intermediárias e uma camada de saída com um neurônio. A função de ativação foi à sigmoide. No treinamento, utilizou-se o método backpropagation, com taxa de aprendizado de 0,05 e momentum 0,01. O critério de parada foi atingir 20.000 ciclos ou uma meta de 0,001. Os dados de 2003 a 2008 foram utilizados para treinamento e validação. Comparam-se os resultados com os de um modelo de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Os resultados para todos os períodos previstos mostraram-se que as redes neurais artificiais obtiveram um menor erro quadrático médio e erro absoluto quando comparado com o modelo de regressão para o ano de 2009. CONCLUSÕES: A rede neural artificial se mostrou adequada para um sistema de previsão de malária no município estudado, determinando com pequenos erros absolutos os valores preditivos, quando comparados ao modelo de regressão logística e aos valores reais.

INTRODUCTION: Malaria is endemic in the Brazilian Amazon region, with different risks for each region. The City of Cantá, State of Roraima, presented one of the largest annual parasite indices in Brazil for the entire study period, with a value always greater than 50. The present study aimed to use an artificial neural network to predict the incidence of malaria in this city in order to assist health coordinators in planning and managing resources. METHODS: Data were collected on the website of the Ministry of Health, SIVEP - Malaria between 2003 and 2009. An artificial neural network was structured with three neurons in the input layer, two intermediate layers and an output layer with one neuron. A sigmoid activation function was used. In training, the backpropagation method was used, with a learning rate of 0.05 and momentum of 0.01. The stopping criterion was to reach 20,000 cycles or a target of 0.001. The data from 2003 to 2008 were used for training and validation. The results were compared with those from a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The results for all periods provided showed that the artificial neural network had a smaller mean square error and absolute error compared with the regression model for the year 2009. CONCLUSIONS: The artificial neural network proved to be adequate for a malaria forecasting system in the city studied, determining smaller predictive values with absolute errors compared to the logistic regression model and the actual values.