Motor behavior of masticatory muscles in individuals with unilateral trans-incisive foramen cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) have altered control of masticatory muscles. METHODS: The muscular activity of 66 children with CLP (n = 33) and without CLP (n = 33), aged 6-12 years was assessed during different tasks (rest, isometry, mastication) using electromyography. RESULTS: The activation for the analyzed muscles was higher in children with CLP at rest (R) and inactive period (IP) (p < 0.05). The muscles of children with CLP remained active for longer than those without CLP (p < 0.05), and the length of the masticatory cycle was higher in children with CLP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Children with CLP have longer muscle activation and increased cycle time during the chewing cycle, which might be a consequence of malocclusion, resulting in difficulty chewing.

Effect of the Pilates method on women with temporomandibular disorders: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding the influence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) on postural changes, but it is believed that an imbalance in one may influence the other. The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in the level of pain, the severity of TMD, the EMG activity of masticatory muscles and posture of young women undergoing training in Pilates, as well as correlating postural changes, pain level, severity of TMD and EMG activity of masticatory muscles. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial with blinded assessors will be held. 40 patients divided randomly into two groups will be assessed. The control group will receive conventional treatment with occlusal splint while the intervention group, in addition to conventional treatment will participate in Pilates sessions. Both groups will consist of women aged 18-35 years with TMD and pain. The research follow-up period will be 15 weeks.

[Influence of flexibility and gender on the posture of school children]. / Influência da flexibilidade e sexo na postura de escolares.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether flexibility and gender influence students' posture. METHOD: Evaluation of 60 female and male students, aged 5 to 14 years, divided into two groups: normal flexibility (n=21) and reduced flexibility (n=39). Flexibility and posture were assessed by photogrammetry and by the elevation of the lower limbs in extension, considering the leg angle and the postural evaluation. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used for data analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to assess the joint influence of flexibility and gender on the posture-dependent variables. After verifying an interactive effect between the variables of gender and flexibility, multiple comparisons using the t test were applied. RESULTS: Flexibility influenced the symmetry angle of the knee (p<0.05) and anteroposterior body tilt (p<0.05). Gender did not influence postural angles (p>0.05). There was an interactive effect between the variables of gender and flexibility on the knee symmetry angle (p<0.02). Male students with reduced flexibility had greater asymmetry of the knee when compared to the other subgroups. CONCLUSION: Posture was influenced by an isolated effect of the variable of flexibility and by an interactive effect between gender and flexibility.

[Pediatric neurofunctional intervention in agenesis of the corpus callosum: a case report]. / Intervenção neurofuncional pediátrica em agenesia do corpo caloso: relato de caso.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a clinical report pre- and post-neurofunctional intervention in a case of agenesis of the corpus callosum. CASE DESCRIPTION: Preterm infant with corpus callosum agenesis and hypoplasia of the cerebellum vermis and lateral ventricles, who, at the age of two years, started the proposed intervention. Functional performance tests were used such as the neurofunctional evaluation, the Gross Motor Function Measure and the Gross Motor Function Classification System. In the initial evaluation, absence of equilibrium reactions, postural transfers, deficits in manual and trunk control were observed. The intervention was conducted with a focus on function, prioritizing postural control and guidance of the family to continue care in the home environment. After the intervention, there was an improvement of body reactions, postural control and movement acquisition of hands and limbs. The intervention also showed improvement in functional performance. COMMENTS: Postural control and transfers of positions were benefited by the neurofunction intervention in this case of agenesis of the corpus callosum. The approach based on function with activities that involve muscle strengthening and balance training reactions, influenced the acquisition of a more selective motor behavior.