Development of a new haptic perception instrument: a pilot study / Desenvolvimento de um novo instrumento de avaliação da percepção háptica: um estudo piloto

ABSTRACT Objective Hand sensory tests do not consider distinct physiological receptors, nor detect normal range variations concerning developmental or pathological changes. We developed an instrument with a set of tests with timing and scoring for assessing haptic perception, which is the interaction between sensory and motor systems, in surfaces exploration, by moving hands. Method Firstly, group meetings were set for test/manual conception and materials testing. The test/manual were submitted to 30 reviewers in 3 stages (10 reviewers on each stage). Results The Hand Haptic Perception Instrument (HHPI) evaluates hand sensorimotor performance on six domains: depression, elevation, texture, compressibility, weight (barognosis) and form perception. Each domain requires specific materials. Score ranges from 0 to 57, being 0 the worst rating. Conclusion This methodological process allowed the development of six domains and instructions to assess haptic perception. This version of HHPI is a pilot model. Further studies will determine reliability and normality ranges.

RESUMO Objetivo Testes de sensibilidade manual não consideram receptores fisiológicos distintos, tampouco variações do desenvolvimento normal ou patológico. Desenvolvemos um instrumento, com pontuação e tempo de desempenho, para avaliar percepção háptica, que é a interação sensório-motora na exploração de superfícies, pelo movimento das mãos. Método Reuniões de grupo foram estabelecidas para desenvolver os testes/ manual e testar materiais. O instrumento e seu manual foram submetidos a 30 revisores, em 3 estágios (com 10 revisores em cada estágio). Resultados O instrumento de avaliação da percepção háptica manual (IAPHM) avalia o desempenho sensório-motor da mão em seis domínios: depressão, elevação, textura, compressibilidade, peso (barognosia) e percepção de forma. Cada domínio requer materiais específicos. A pontuação vai de 0 a 57, sendo 0 a pior pontuação. Conclusão Esse método permitiu o desenvolvimento do instrumento para avaliar percepção háptica. Essa versão do IAPHM é um modelo piloto. Estudos futuros determinarão confiabilidade e variações de normalidade.

Relation between oral stereognosis and masticatory efficiency in complete denture wearers: an in vivo study

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the possible association between the oral stereognostic ability and masticatory efficiency at the time of denture insertion and after 6 months in complete denture wearers. Methods: Sixty edentulous patients were selected. The study was conducted in two parts. First, on the day of denture fit-in oral stereognostic ability test was conducted,followed by masticatory efficiency was carried out. The patients were recalled for check up after 6months and the same test was performed again. Data were tabulated and analyzed statistically by paired t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: There was weak correlation between oral stereognosis and masticatory efficiency. Many opinions have been presented in the literature in the past regarding oral stereognosis. The issue whether oral stereognosis also helps inpatients’ adaptation towards complete denture prosthesis is still ambiguous. No consensus has been reached. This study is further an attempt to understand the basic physiology of oral stereognosis and whether there is any possible relation between oral stereognosis and masticatory efficiency.Conclusions: Within the limitation of this study, it can be concluded that oral stereognostic ability improves with time, which might be due to adaptation to the denture. As adaptation towardsdenture improves masticatory efficiency improves as well. This study showed that there might bea weak association between oral stereognosis and masticatory efficiency.

The influence of gender and bruxism on human minimum interdental threshold ability

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of gender and bruxism on the ability to discriminate minimum interdental threshold. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and fifteen individuals, representing both genders, bruxers and non-bruxers, with a mean age of 23.64 years, were selected for this study. For group allocation, every individual was subjected to a specific physical examination to detect bruxism (performed by three different examiners). Evaluation of the ability to discriminate minimum interdental threshold was performed using industrialized 0.010 mm-, 0.024 mm-, 0.030 mm-, 0.050 mm-, 0.080 mm- and 0.094 mm-thick aluminum foils that were placed between upper and lower premolars. Data were analyzed statistically by multiple linear regression analysis at 5% significance level. RESULTS: Neither gender nor bruxism influenced the ability to discriminate minimum interdental threshold (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gender and the presence of bruxism do not play a role in the minimum interdental threshold.