Nasal patency and craniocervical posture in scholar children / Patência nasal e postura craniocervical em crianças em idade escolar / Permeabilidad nasal y postura craneocervical en niños escolares

ABSTRACT Changes in head posture have been observed as a compensatory mechanism for the nasal airflow impairment. This study aimed to compare the craniocervical posture between children with normal and decreased nasal patency and correlate nasal patency with craniocervical posture. Children aging from six to twelve years went through nasal patency and craniocervical assessments. The biophotogrammetric measures of craniocervical posture used were Cervical Distance (CD), Head Horizontal Alignment (HHA) and Flexion-Extension Head Position (FE), evaluated by SAPO software (v.0.68). Nasal patency was measured using Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow meter (PNIF) and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. One hundred thirty-three children were distributed into two groups: G1 (normal nasal patency - PNIF higher than 80% of predicted value) with 90 children; G2 (decreased nasal patency - PNIF lower than 80% of predicted value) with 43 children. Differences between groups were not found in CD and HHA measures. FE was significantly higher in G2 than G1 (p=0.023). Negative weak correlation between FE and %PNIF (r=-0.266; p=0.002) and positive weak correlation between CD and PNIF (r=0.209; p=0.016) were found. NOSE scores negatively correlated with PNIF (r=-0.179; p=0.039). Children with decreased nasal patency presented greater head extension. This postural deviation is prone to increase as nasal airflow decreases, thus indicating the relationship between craniocervical posture and nasal patency. Lower values of PNIF reflected on additional problems caused by nasal obstruction symptoms.

RESUMO Mudanças na postura da cabeça têm sido observadas como um mecanismo de compensação para a perda de fluxo de ar nasal. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a postura craniocervical entre crianças com patência nasal normal e reduzida e patência nasal correlacionada com postura craniocervical. Crianças de seis a doze anos passaram por avaliações de patência nasal e craniocervical. As medidas biofotogramétricas de postura craniocervical utilizadas foram distância cervical (CD), alinhamento horizontal cabeça (HHA) e flexo-extensão da cabeça (FE), avaliadas pelo software SAPO (v.0.68). A patência nasal foi medida utilizando o medidor de pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal (PNIF) e escala de avaliação dos sintomas de obstrução nasal (NOSE). Cento trinta e três crianças foram distribuídas em dois grupos: G1 (patência nasal normal - PNIF superior a 80% do valor previsto) com 90 crianças; G2 (patência nasal reduzida - PNIF menor que 80% do valor previsto) com 43 crianças. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos nas medidas CD e HHA. FE foi significativamente superior em G2 do que em G1 (p=0,023). Foram encontradas fraca correlação negativa entre FE e %PNIF (r=-0,266; p = 0,002) e fraca correlação positiva entre CD e PNIF (r=0,209; p=0,016). A contagem NOSE foi negativamente correlacionada com o PNIF (r =-0,179; p=0,039). Crianças com patência nasal reduzida apresentaram maior extensão de cabeça. Este desvio postural é propenso a aumentar à medida que o fluxo de ar nasal diminui, o que indica a relação entre postura craniocervical e patência nasal. Valores mais baixos de PNIF refletem sobre problemas adicionais causados por sintomas de obstrução nasal.

RESUMEN Los cambios en la postura de la cabeza se han observado como un mecanismo de compensación para el deterioro del flujo de aire nasal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar la postura craneocervical entre los niños con la permeabilidad nasal normal y reducida y correlacionar la permeabilidad nasal con la postura craneocervical. Los niños de seis a doce años pasaron por evaluaciones de permeabilidad nasal y craneocervicales. Las medidas fotogramétricas de la postura craneocervical utilizadas fueron Distancia cervical (CD), Alineación horizontal de la cabeza (HHA) y Flexión-Extensión de la posición de la cabeza (FE), evaluadas por el software SAPO (v.0.68). La permeabilidad nasal se midió utilizando Medidor de Flujo Máximo Inspiratorio Nasal (MFMI) y la escala Evaluación de Síntomas de Obstrucción Nasal (ESON). Ciento treinta y tres niños fueron distribuidos en dos grupos: G1 (permeabilidad nasal normal - PNIF superior a 80% del valor predicho) con 90 niños; G2 (la disminución de la permeabilidad nasal - PNIF inferior a 80% del valor predicho) con 43 niños. No se encontraron diferencias entre grupos en las medidas CD y HHA. FE fue significativamente mayor en G2 que en G1 (p=0.023). Se encontraron correlación negativa y débil entre FE y %PNIF (r=-0.266; p=0.002) y correlación positiva y débil entre CD y PNIF (r=0.209; p=0.016). Las puntuaciones del NOSE fueron negativamente correlacionadas con PNIF (r=-0.179; p=0.039). Los niños con baja permeabilidad nasal presentaron una mayor extensión de la cabeza. Esta desviación postural propicia la probabilidad de la disminución del flujo de aire nasal, por lo tanto indica la relación entre la postura craneocervical y la permeabilidad nasal. Valores bajos del PNIF se reflejan en los problemas adicionales causados por síntomas de obstrucción nasal.

Study of the kinematic variables of unilateral and habitual mastication of healthy individuals. / Estudo das variáveis cinemáticas da mastigação unilateral e habitual de indivíduos saudáveis.

PURPOSE: To describe and compare the temporal-spatial kinematic variables of mandibular movement during deliberate unilateral and habitual mastication in healthy young-adult individuals. METHODS: The study sample was composed of eight male healthy volunteers aged 19 to 24 years. The kinematic data were obtained using a motion analysis system - Qualisys Track Manager (QTM) ProReflex MCU. Recordings were performed during deliberate unilateral mastication (UM) and habitual mastication (HM) of firm-consistency gummy candy. The following variables were analyzed: (1) masticatory sequence: duration, number of masticatory cycles, and chewing rate; (2) masticatory cycle: duration, vertical and medial-lateral mandibular range of motion in relation to the skull, and maximum velocity during the opening and closing phases. Data of the variables were compared during UM and HM by the paired t test, and the effect sizes ('d' Cohen) were calculated. RESULTS: Regarding the variables of the masticatory sequence, smaller chewing rate was observed for UM compared with that for HM (1.19±0.21Hz and 1.29±0.16Hz, respectively, p=0.004, d=0.53). Smaller values of maximum velocity during the opening (MU=67.4 mm/s and MH=80.02, p=0.053, d=0.80) and closing (MU=71.77±9.35mm/s and MH=3.51±7mm/s, p=0.014, d=0.79) phases of the masticatory cycle were observed in deliberate unilateral mastication compared with those in habitual mastication. CONCLUSION: Kinematic variables associated with the sequence and cycle of mastication are influenced by the chewing pattern adopted - deliberate unilateral or habitual.

Estudo das variáveis cinemáticas da mastigação unilateral e habitual de indivíduos saudáveis / Study of the kinematic variables of unilateral and habitual mastication of healthy individuals

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever e comparar as variáveis cinemáticas temporoespaciais do movimento mandibular durante a mastigação unilateral deliberada e habitual de indivíduos saudáveis. Método Participaram do estudo 8 voluntários saudáveis, do gênero masculino, com faixa etária entre 19 e 24 anos. Os dados cinemáticos foram obtidos através do sistema de análise de movimento Qualysis (QTM - Qualisys Track Manager). Foram realizados registros de mastigação unilateral direita (MU) e habitual (MH) de bala de goma de gelatina de consistência firme. Foram analisadas variáveis relacionadas à (1) sequência mastigatória (duração, número de ciclos e frequência mastigatória); (2) ciclo mastigatório: duração do ciclo mastigatório, amplitude de movimento mandibular vertical e médio-lateral durante o ciclo mastigatório, velocidade máxima durante as fases de abertura e fechamento. A comparação das variáveis durante a MU e MH foi realizada por meio do teste t pareado (p<0,05) e os tamanhos de efeito (‘d’ de Cohen) foram calculados. Resultados Em relação à sequência mastigatória, observou-se menor frequência mastigatória durante MU comparada à MH (1,19±0,21 e 1,29±0,16Hz, respectivamente, p=0,004, d=0,53) e menores velocidades máximas de abertura (MU=67,4 mm/s e MH=80,02; p=0,053; d=0,80) e fechamento (MU=71,77±9,35mm/s e MH=83,51±17 mm/s, p=0,014, d=0,79) do ciclo mastigatório. Conclusão As variáveis cinemáticas relacionadas à sequência e ao ciclo mastigatório foram influenciadas pelo padrão mastigatório adotado – unilateral ou habitual.

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe and compare the temporal-spatial kinematic variables of mandibular movement during deliberate unilateral and habitual mastication in healthy young-adult individuals. Methods The study sample was composed of eight male healthy volunteers aged 19 to 24 years. The kinematic data were obtained using a motion analysis system - Qualisys Track Manager (QTM) ProReflex MCU. Recordings were performed during deliberate unilateral mastication (UM) and habitual mastication (HM) of firm-consistency gummy candy. The following variables were analyzed: (1) masticatory sequence: duration, number of masticatory cycles, and chewing rate; (2) masticatory cycle: duration, vertical and medial-lateral mandibular range of motion in relation to the skull, and maximum velocity during the opening and closing phases. Data of the variables were compared during UM and HM by the paired t test, and the effect sizes ('d' Cohen) were calculated. Results Regarding the variables of the masticatory sequence, smaller chewing rate was observed for UM compared with that for HM (1.19±0.21Hz and 1.29±0.16Hz, respectively, p=0.004, d=0.53). Smaller values of maximum velocity during the opening (MU=67.4 mm/s and MH=80.02, p=0.053, d=0.80) and closing (MU=71.77±9.35mm/s and MH=3.51±7mm/s, p=0.014, d=0.79) phases of the masticatory cycle were observed in deliberate unilateral mastication compared with those in habitual mastication. Conclusion Kinematic variables associated with the sequence and cycle of mastication are influenced by the chewing pattern adopted - deliberate unilateral or habitual.

Experimentally induced masseter-pain changes masseter but not sternocleidomastoid muscle-related activity during mastication.

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of induced masseter-muscle pain on the amplitude of muscle activation, symmetry and coactivation of jaw- and neck-muscles during mastication. Twenty-eight male volunteers, mean age±SD 20.6±2.0years, participated in this study. Surface electromyography of the masseter and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles was performed bilaterally during mastication of a gummy candy before and after injections of monosodium glutamate solution and isotonic saline solution. As a result, we observed a decrease in the amplitude of activation of the masseter muscle on the working side (p=0.009; d=0.34) and a reduction in the asymmetry between the working and the balancing side during mastication (p=0.007; d=0.38). No changes were observed either on the craniocervical electromyographic variables. In conclusion, experimentally induced pain reduced the masseter muscle activation on the working side, thereby reducing the physiological masseters' recruitment asymmetry between the two sides during mastication. No effects on SCM activity were detected. These results may partly explain the initial maladaptative changes underlying TMD conditions.

Cervical-scapular muscles strength and severity of temporomandibular disorder in women with mechanical neck pain / Força dos músculos cérvico-escapulares e a severidade da disfunção temporomandibular em mulheres com cervicalgia mecânica

Abstract Introduction: Changes in cervical muscle function have been observed in patients with neck pain (NP) and TMD. However, the relationship between TMD severity and neck muscle strength in the presence/absence of NP is unknown. Objective: To determine the prevalence of TMD in women with and without mechanical NP and assess the cervical-scapular muscle strength and its association with TMD severity. Methods: Fifteen volunteers without neck pain (CG) and 14 women with mechanical neck pain (NPG) took part and were selected by the Neck Disability Index. The diagnosis and severity of TMD were determined by the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD and Temporomandibular Index (TI), respectively. The strength of the upper trapezius muscle, and cervical flexor and extensor muscles was measured by digital hand dynamometer. Results: 64.5% of women with NP and 33.3% without NP were diagnosed with TMD (p = 0.095). The NPG showed lower strength of the cervical flexor (p = 0.044) and extensor (p=0.006) muscles, and higher TI (p = 0.038) than in the CG. It was also verified moderate negative correlation between TI and the strength of dominant (p = 0.046, r = -0.547) and non-dominant (p = 0.007, r = -0.695) upper trapezius, and cervical flexors (p = 0.023, r = -0.606) in the NPG. Conclusion: There was no difference in the prevalence of TMD in women with and without NP. However, women with NP have lower cervical muscle strength - compared to those without NP - which was associated with greater severity of TMD. Thus, in women with NP associated with TMD, it is advisable to assess and address the severity of this dysfunction and identify the cervical-scapular muscles compromise.

Resumo Introdução: Modificações da função muscular cervical têm sido verificadas em pacientes com cervicalgia e DTM. Entretanto, ainda não é conhecida a relação entre a severidade da DTM e a força muscular cervical na presença/ausência de cervicalgia. Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência de DTM em mulheres com e sem cervicalgia mecânica, avaliar a força dos músculos cérvico-escapulares e sua associação com a severidade da DTM. Métodos: Participaram 15 voluntárias sem dor cervical (GC) e 14 mulheres com cervicalgia mecânica (GCM), selecionadas por meio do Índice de Disfunção Relacionada ao Pescoço. O diagnóstico e a gravidade da DTM foram determinados pelos Critérios diagnósticos para pesquisa em desordens temporomandibulares e Índice Temporomandibular (IT), respectivamente. A força dos músculos trapézio superior, flexores e extensores cervicais foi aferida por dinamometria digital manual. Resultados: 64,5% das mulheres com cervicalgia e 33,3% das sem dor cervical apresentaram diagnóstico de DTM (p = 0,095). O GCM apresentou menor força dos músculos flexores (p = 0,044) e extensores cervicais (p = 0,006) e maior IT (p = 0,038) que o GC. Também foi verificada correlação negativa moderada entre o IT e força dos músculos trapézio superior dominante (p = 0,046, r = -0,547), não dominante (p = 0,007, r = -0,695) e flexores cervicais (p = 0,023, r = -0,606) no GCM. Conclusão: Não houve diferença na prevalência de DTM entre mulheres com e sem cervicalgia. Entretanto, mulheres com cervicalgia apresentaram menor força muscular cervical (comparadas às sem cervicalgia) que esteve associada a maior severidade da DTM. Assim, em mulheres com cervicalgia associada à DTM, é recomendável avaliar e abordar a severidade desta disfunção e o comprometimento dos músculos cérvico-escapulares.

Global body posture and plantar pressure distribution in individuals with and without temporomandibular disorder: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate body posture and the distribution of plantar pressure at physiologic rest of the mandible and during maximal intercuspal positions in subjects with and without temporomandibular disorder (TMD). METHODS: Fifty-one subjects were assessed by the Diagnostic Criteria for Research on Temporomandibular Disorders and divided into a symptomatic group (21) and an asymptomatic group (30). Postural analysis for both groups was conducted using photogrammetry (SAPo version 0.68; University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil). The distribution of plantar pressures was evaluated by means of baropodometry (Footwork software), at physiologic rest and maximal intercuspal positions. RESULTS: Of 18 angular measurements, 3 (17%) were statistically different between the groups in photogrammetric evaluation. The symptomatic group showed more pronounced cervical distance (P = .0002), valgus of the right calcaneus (P = .0122), and lower pelvic tilt (P = .0124). The baropodometry results showed the TMD subjects presented significantly higher rearfoot and lower forefoot distribution than those in the asymptomatic group. No differences were verified in maximal intercuspal position in the between-group analysis and between the 2 mandibular positions in the within-group analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with and without TMD presented with global body posture misalignment. Postural changes were more pronounced in the subjects with TMD. In addition, symptomatic subjects presented with abnormal plantar pressure distribution, suggesting that TMD may have an influence on the postural system.

Relação da atividade elétrica dos músculos supra e infra-hióideos durante a deglutição e cefalometria / Relationship between the electrical activity of suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles during swallowing and cephalometry

OBJETIVO: investigar a influência da postura habitual da cabeça, da posição mandibular e do osso hióide na atividade dos músculos supra e infra-hióideos durante deglutição de diferentes consistências de alimentos. MÉTODO: estudo observacional, transversal, com mulheres entre 19 e 35 anos, sem alterações miofuncionais de deglutição. A postura craniocervical, posição da mandíbula e osso hióide foram avaliados pela cefalometria. A atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos supra e infra-hióideos foi coletada durante a deglutição de água, gelatina e biscoito. RESULTADOS: amostra com 16 mulheres, média de idade 24,19±2,66 anos. No repouso, observaram-se correlações negativas/moderadas entre a atividade elétrica dos músculos supra-hióideos com as variáveis posturais NSL/CVT (posição da cabeça em relação às vértebras cervicais) e NSL/OPT (posição da cabeça em relação à coluna cervical) e positiva/moderada com o ângulo CVA (posição de flexão/extensão da cabeça). Durante a deglutição do biscoito, a atividade dos músculos infra-hióideos apresentou correlação negativa/moderada com o ângulo NSL/OPT. Constatou-se maior atividade elétrica dos músculos supra-hióideos durante a deglutição de todos os alimentos testados e, dos músculos infra-hióideos, no repouso. Os supra-hióideos foram mais ativos que os infra-hióideos durante a deglutição, entretanto, houve aumento da atividade eletromiográfica em ambos os grupos musculares durante a deglutição do biscoito, comparado com a deglutição de água e gelatina. CONCLUSÃO: a hiperextensão da cabeça repercutiu na menor atividade dos músculos supra-hióideos no repouso e, dos músculos infra-hióideos, na deglutição. A consistência do alimento influenciou na atividade elétrica dos músculos supra e infra-hióideos, havendo maior recrutamento muscular na deglutição de alimento sólido.

PURPOSE: to investigate the influence of the habitual head posture, jaw and hyoid bone position on the supra and infrahyoid muscles activity of the muscles during swallowing of different food textures. METHOD: an observational, cross-sectional study, with women between 19 and 35 years, without myofunctional swallowing disorders. The craniocervical posture, position of the mandible and hyoid bone were evaluated by cephalometry. The electromyographic activity of the supra and infrahyoid muscles was collected during swallowing water, gelatin and cookie. RESULTS: sample of 16 women, mean age 24.19 ± 2.66 years. At rest, there were negative/moderate correlations between the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles with NSL/CVT (head position in relation to the cervical vertebrae) and NSL/OPT (head position in relation to the cervical spine) postural variables, and positive/moderate with the CVA angle (position of flexion/extension of the head). During swallowing the cookie, the activity of infrahyoid muscles showed a negative/moderate correlation with NSL/OPT angle. It was found higher electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles during swallowing of all foods tested, and of the infrahyoid muscles at rest. There was difference on the muscle activity during swallowing of foods with different consistencies, which was higher with cookie compared to water and gelatin. CONCLUSION: the head hyperextension reflected in lower activity of the suprahyoid muscles at rest and of the infrahyoid muscles during swallowing. The consistency of food influenced the electrical activity of the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles, with greater muscle recruitment in swallowing solid food.

Impact of the mouth breathing occurred during childhood in the adult age: biophotogrammetric postural analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the impact of the mouth breathing occurred during childhood on the body posture in the adult age. METHODS: 24 adults, of both genders, aged from 18 to 30 years old with report of clinical manifestations of mouth breathing during the childhood composed the study group (SG). The control group (CG) was composed by 20 adults in the same age, without any respiratory problem since the childhood up to the present time. All the volunteers underwent a physiotherapeutic evaluation consisted of anamnesis and postural biophotogrammetry (SAPo v 0.68(®)). The comparison between the data of the SG and CG was accomplished by Student's t-test. RESULTS: The biophotogrammetric analysis demonstrated that the SG showed more forward head posture confirmed by the angles A9 (p = 0.0000) and CL (p = 0.0414) and also by the cervical distance (p = 0.0079). Additionally, this group presented a larger angular measure of the lumbar lordosis (p = 0.0141) compared to the CG. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that adults with mouth-breathing childhood have postural alterations, mainly in the head and lumbar column, which keeps for the whole life.

Avaliação fotogramétrica da postura da cabeça e coluna cervical de indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular / Evaluation of photogrammetric posture of the head and cervical spine of individuals with temporomandibular desorder

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a postura da cabeça e da coluna cervical de indivíduos com e sem disfunção temporomandibular por meio da fotogrametria computadorizada. Foram avaliados 39 voluntários, de ambos os gêneros, com idades entre 20 e 35 anos, por meio da fotogrametria computadorizada. A amostra, selecionada através do Inventário. Critérios de Diagnóstico para Pesquisa de Desordens Temporomandibulares (RDC/TMD), foi dividida em dois grupos: grupo de estudo (n=24) e grupo controle (n=15). O voluntário foi fotografado nas posturas de frente e perfil esquerdo. Para análise dos dados, foi utilizado o protocolo do "softwarw" de avaliação postural (SAPO). Na vista anterior observou-se que os indivíduos com DTM apresentaram em média 0,47 de inclinação lateral direita, enquanto os indivíduos do grupo controle obtiveram em média 0,85. Na vista lateral, a postura da cabeça em relação à horizontal dos indivíduos com DTM e controles mostrou respectivamente 50,75 e 50,96. Na postura da cabeça em relação à vertical, o valor do ângulo medido foi 15,58 no grupo de estudo e 10,21 no grupo controle. A distância média do plano torácico ao ápice da curvatura cervical nos indivíduos com DTM foi de 7,21 cm, enquanto nos indivíduos assintomáticos foi de 6,22cm. A partir da análise dos resultados obtidos conclui-se que houve diferença significativa na posição da cabeça no sentido vertical (anteriorização) e na distância dorso-cervical entre indivíduos com DTM e assintomáticos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the head and cervival spine posture of volunteers with and without temporomandibular dysfunction through computerized photogrammetry by comparing them. 39 individuals of both genders, aged between 20 and 35 years old constituted the sample. The sample, selected through the inventory of Diagnostic Criteria for Research of temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD), was divided into two groups: study group (n=24) and control group (n=15). The volunteer was photographed in front and left side views and the protocol software for assessing posture (PSAP) was used for analysis. In front view, it was observed that the individuals TMD had on average 0.47 of right side inclination, while the control group obtained 0.85. In side view, the head posture with horizontal plane of the individuals with TMD and controls showed respectively 50,75 and 50,96. The head posture with the vertical plane showed 15,58 in the study group and 10,21 in the control group. The distance from the apex of the cervical curvature in individuals with TMD was 7,21 cm, while in asymptomatic individuals it was 6.22 cm. From the analysis of the results, concluded that there was a significant difference in the head posture in relations with the vertical plane (forward head posture) and in the back neck distance between TMD and asymptomatic individuals.

Mouth Breathing Syndrome: cervical muscles recruitment during nasal inspiration before and after respiratory and postural exercises on Swiss Ball.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the recruitment of cervical muscles during nasal inspiration before and after breathing and postural exercises on the Swiss Ball in children with Mouth Breathing Syndrome (MBS). METHOD: Surface electromyography from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), sub-occipitals and upper Trapezius muscles was recorded during nasal inspiration, before and at the end of three months of the treatment. A physical therapy program consisting in muscular stretching and strengthening exercises along with naso-diaphragmatic breathing on the Swiss Ball were carried out for body posture realignment and respiratory training. Nineteen mouth breathing children, mean age of 10.6 years, both genres, were the subjects of this study. In order to establish a comparison between the eletromyographic results (normalized values) obtained from pre and post-physical therapy program it was used the Wilcoxon non-parametric test for dependent data. RESULTS: It was found a significant decrease (p<0.01) in the electromyographic activity during nasal inspiration in all tested muscles after treatment (11.3-3.6% in the SCM, 22.4-11.7% in the sub-occipitals and 8.9-3.1% in the upper Trapezius). At the end of the treatment, the assessed muscles reached lower activity electromyographic levels during nasal inspiration and they became closer of those in the quiet position. CONCLUSION: The lower activity after the physical therapy program in these muscles indicates a less effort of the accessory inspiratory muscles, probably due to a better performance of diaphragm muscle with the improvement of the body posture.

Efficacy of physical therapy on cervical muscle activity and on body posture in school-age mouth breathing children.

INTRODUCTION: The mouth breathing resulting from nasal obstruction has been highly incident, mostly as a consequence of allergic rhinitis. In children, such condition is more concerned because it causes alteration during their development, which may generate deformities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a program of combined postural exercise and breathing, on the cervical muscles and body posture in school-age mouth breathing children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen mouth breathing children, mean age of 10.6 years, both genders, were recruited either from a public school or from a speech-therapy service. The evaluation procedures were electromyographic recordings from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), sub-occipitals (SOC) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles and computerized photographic analysis pre and post-treatment. The subjects were submitted to a 12-week of a Physical Therapy Program (PTP) consisted by (a) muscular stretching and strengthening exercises using a Swiss ball combined to (b) naso-diaphragmatic re-education. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the electrical activity on the assessed muscles during quiet position (5, 19 and 7.1% to 3, 2 and 10.3% for SCM, SOC and UT, respectively) and aligned posture (7, 19 and 8% to 4, 9 and 2.6% for SCM, SOC and UT, respectively) after treatment. Improvement in the postural deviation, especially reduction in forward head posture and abducted scapula were demonstrated in the computerized photographic analysis. CONCLUSION: A combination of postural and breathing exercises was effective in restoring muscle imbalances and posture in a group of school-age mouth breathing children, as measured by changes in electrical activity and positional data.