Restrição do movimento da coluna: uma análise do conhecimento dos profissionais de enfermagem / Restricted movement of the spine: an analysis of the knowledge of nursing professionals / Restricción del movimiento de la columna vertebral: un análisis del conocimiento de los profesionales de enfermería

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar o conhecimento de profissionais de enfermagem sobre restrição do movimento da coluna em vítimas de trauma e descrever a tomada de decisão. Método: Estudo exploratório, descritivo, quali-quantitativo. Realizou-se entrevista semiestruturada com 27 profissionais de enfermagem de serviços de emergência hospitalar e pré-hospitalar em São Leopoldo, Brasil, em março de 2022. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e análise de conteúdo. Resultados: 48% dos profissionais tinham conhecimento quanto às recomendações atuais; a maioria atuantes no pré-hospitalar. A cervicalgia/lombalgia foi a indicação predominante. Na categoria "a tomada de decisão e a transição do cuidado", identificou-se falta de padronização nas condutas do intra-hospitalar, enfatizando a importância da sequência no atendimento e confiança entre profissionais. Considerações finais: Identificou-se pouca apropriação das equipes do intra-hospitalar sobre as atuais evidências, falta de padronização nas condutas e dificuldades na transição do cuidado entre os serviços.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze nursing professionals' knowledge about restricting spinal movement in trauma victims and describe their decision-making. Method: An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative-quantitative study. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 27 nursing professionals from hospital and pre-hospital emergency services in São Leopoldo, Brazil, in March 2022. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: 48% of the professionals knew the current recommendations; most worked in pre-hospital care. Cervicalgia/lumbago was the predominant indication. In the category "decision making and the transition of care", a lack of standardization in in-hospital conduct was identified, emphasizing the importance of sequence in care and trust between professionals. Final considerations: It was found that in-hospital teams had little knowledge of the current evidence, a lack of standardization in procedures, and difficulties in the transition of care between services.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los conocimientos de los profesionales de enfermería sobre la restricción del movimiento de la columna vertebral en víctimas de traumatismos y describir su toma de decisiones. Método: Un estudio exploratorio, descriptivo, cualitativo-cuantitativo. Se realizó una entrevista semiestructurada a 27 profesionales de enfermería de los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios y prehospitalarios de São Leopoldo, Brasil, en marzo de 2022. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva y análisis de contenido. Resultados: El 48% de los profesionales conocía las recomendaciones actuales; la mayoría de ellos trabajaba en atención prehospitalaria. La cervicalgia/lumbago fue la indicación predominante. En la categoría "toma de decisiones y transición de los cuidados", se detectó una falta de normalización en la conducta intrahospitalaria, lo que subraya la importancia de la secuencia en los cuidados y la confianza entre los profesionales. Consideraciones finales: Se identificó que los equipos intrahospitalarios tenían escaso conocimiento de las evidencias actuales, que había una falta de normalización en los procedimientos y dificultades en la transición de la atención entre los servicios.

Absence of Neuroplastic Changes in the Bilateral H-Reflex Amplitude following Spinal Manipulation with Activator IV.

Background and Objectives: Chiropractic spinal manipulation is an alternative medical procedure for treating various spinal dysfunctions. Great interest exists in investigating its neuroplastic effects on the central nervous system. Previous studies have found contradictory results in relation to the neuroplastic changes in the H-reflex amplitude as a response to manual spinal manipulation. The discrepancies could be partly due to differences in the unilateral nature of these recordings and/or the variable force exerted in manual techniques applied by distinct chiropractors. Concerning the latter point, the variability in the performance of manual interventions may bias the determination of the significance of changes in H-reflex responses derived from spinal manipulation. To investigate such responses, a chiropractic device can be used to provide more precise and reproducible results. The current contribution aimed to examine whether spinal manipulation with an Activator IV instrument generates neuroplastic effects on the bilateral H-reflex amplitude in dancers and non-dancers. Materials and Methods: A radiograph verified spinal dysfunction in both groups of participants. Since there were significant differences between groups in the mean Hmax values of the H-reflex amplitude before spinal intervention, an assessment was made of the possible dependence of the effects of spinal manipulation with Activator IV on the basal conditions. Results: Ten sessions of spinal manipulation with Activator IV did not cause statistically significant changes in the bilateral H-reflex amplitude (measured as the Hmax/Mmax ratio) in either group. Furthermore, no significant difference was detected in the effects of spinal manipulation between groups, despite their distinct basal H-reflex amplitude. Conclusions: Regarding the therapeutic benefits of a chiropractic adjustment, herein carried out with Activator IV, the present findings suggest that the mechanism of action is not on the monosynaptic H-reflex pathway. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved.

Spine-Adjusting Instrument (Impulse®) Attenuates Nociception and Modulates Oxidative Stress Markers in the Spinal Cord and Sciatic Nerve of a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress plays an important role in neuropathic pain (NP). Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) can exert beneficial effects on pain outcomes in humans and in animal models. SMT can also modulate oxidative stress markers in both humans and animals. We aimed to determine the effect of Impulse®-assisted SMT (ISMT) on nociception and oxidative stress biomarkers in the spinal cords and sciatic nerves of rats with NP. METHODS: NP was induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Animals were randomly assigned to naive, sham (rats with sciatic nerve exposure but without ligatures), or CCI, with and without ISMT. ISMT was applied onto the skin area corresponding to the spinous process of L4-L5, three times per week for 2 weeks. Mechanical threshold, latency to paw withdrawal in response to thermal stimulus, and oxidative stress biomarkers in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve were the main outcomes evaluated. RESULTS: ISMT significantly increased mechanical threshold and withdrawal latency after CCI. In the spinal cord, ISMT prevented the increase of pro-oxidative superoxide anion generation and hydrogen peroxide levels. Lipid hydroperoxide levels both in the spinal cord and in the sciatic nerve were attenuated by ISMT. Total antioxidant capacity increased in the spinal cords and sciatic nerves of CCI rats with and without ISMT. CCI and ISMT did not significantly change the total thiol content of the spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that reduced oxidative stress in the spinal cord and/or nerve may be an important mechanism underlying a therapeutic effect of SMT to manage NP nonpharmacologically.

Directed vertebral manipulation is not better than generic vertebral manipulation in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomised trial.

QUESTION: In people with chronic low back pain, what is the average effect of directing manipulation at the most painful lumbar level compared with generic manipulation of the spine? DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, a blinded assessor and intention-to-treat analysis. PARTICIPANTS: 148 people with non-specific chronic low back pain with a minimum level of pain intensity of 3 points (measured from 0 to 10 on the Pain Numerical Rating Scale). INTERVENTIONS: All participants received 10 spinal manipulation sessions over a 4-week period. The experimental group received treatment to the most painful segment of the lower back. The control group received treatment to the thoracic spine. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured at the end of the intervention (Week 4). Secondary outcomes were: pain intensity at Weeks 12 and 26; pressure pain threshold at Week 4; and global perceived change since onset and disability, both measured at Weeks 4, 12 and 26. RESULTS: Each group was randomly allocated 74 participants. Data were collected at all time points for 71 participants (96%) in the experimental group and 72 (97%) in the control group. There were no clinically important between-group differences for pain intensity, disability or global perceived effect at any time point. The estimate of the effect of directing manipulation at the most painful lumbar level, as compared with generic manipulation, on pain intensity was too small to be considered clinically important: MD 0 (95% CI -0.9 to 0.9) at Week 4 and -0.1 (95% CI -1.0 to 0.8) at Week 26. CONCLUSION: No clinically important differences were observed between directed manipulation and generic manipulation in people with chronic low back pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02883634.

Síndrome de Cola de Caballo asociado a tratamiento quiropráctico: Reporte de 3 casos y revisión de la literatura / Horsetail syndrome associated with chiropractic treatment: Report of 3 cases and review of the literature

El síndrome de cola de caballo (SCC) es una urgencia quirúrgica poco frecuente con una incidencia estimada de hasta 1,8 casos por millón de habitantes, producida por la compresión de las raíces nerviosas en el extremo inferior del canal espinal. La manipulación espinal puede desempeñar un papel etiogénico, provocando la movilización y extrusión del disco. El diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento oportuno son cruciales, ya que el pronóstico suele ser desfavorable si el tratamiento quirúrgico se retrasa produciendo un daño neurológico permanente. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar los potenciales factores de riesgo para la manipulación espinal y optimizar esta práctica, evitando así posibles complicaciones derivadas del tratamiento quiropráctico. Presentamos 3 casos de SCC, observados y tratados en nuestro centro, en los que se sugiere una estrecha relación entre la manipulación espinal quiropráctica y la aparición de dicho síndrome. Tras realizarles una RM en la que se observó una hernia discal L5-S1 causante del SCC, los 3 pacientes fueron tratados quirúrgicamente de forma urgente. Los casos presentados demostraron la existencia de una asociación patogénica entre la manipulación espinal y el desarrollo del SCC, al producirse dicho síndrome en las horas siguientes a la manipulación debida a la protusión abrupta de un disco demostrado por RM.

Introduction: Cauda equine syndrome (CES) is a rare surgical emergency with an estimated incidence of up to 1.8 cases per million. It is caused by compression of the nerve roots at the lowest point of the spinal canal. Spinal manipulation can play a pathogenic role, resulting in mobilization and extrusion of the disc. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial, since the prognosis is usually unfavorable and permanent neurological damage likely if surgical treatment is delayed. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify potential risk factors associated with spinal manipulation and, thereby, optimize this practice to reduce the risk of complications from chiropractic treatment. Methods: We present three cases of CES, observed and treated at our center, in which a close relationship between chiropractic spinal manipulation and the appearance of CES was apparent. Results: After magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an L5-S1 herniated disc causing the SCC, all three patients underwent urgent surgical treatment. Conclusion: The three presented cases demonstrate a strong pathogenic relationship between spinal manipulation and the development of CES, when this syndrome occurs within hours of spinal manipulation, secondary to MRI-documented acute disc protrusion.

Influence of osteopathic cervical manipulation on blood flow velocity of the cerebral circulation in chronic neck pain: analysis of three groups / Influência da manipulação osteopática cervical na velocidade de fluxo sanguíneo da circulação cerebral em indivíduos com cervicalgia crônica: análise de três grupos

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spinal manipulation (SM) can reduce or improve the pain and dizziness originated in the neck. However, there is some criticism against SM. The objective of this study was to check if the osteopathic manipulation (OM) with a cervical rhythmic articulatory technique (CRAT) provides oscillations of the blood flow velocity (BFV) in the internal carotid arteries (ICA), vertebral arteries (VA) and basilar artery (BA), and if this technique is a risk factor for this circulatory system. METHODS: The study was conducted with 73 individuals (men and women) with mechanical cervicalgia, with an average age of 37.7±6.4 years. Fifty-eight had mild to moderate pain, randomly divided into control group (CG) and experimental-1 (EG-1), and 15 with severe pain in the experimental-2 group (EG-2). All subjects were submitted to the artery ultrasound (ICA, VA, and BA) in a blind methodology for the tests 1 (E1) and 2 (E2). Between E1 and E2, one single OM-CRAT was performed in the EGs 1 and 2 and resting for the CG. RESULTS: In the EG-1 there was a slight reduction of the BFV in the right ICA. In the EG-2 there was a significant increase of the BFV in the right VA. All samples presented normality. In the CG there was a reduction of the BFV in the left VA. When comparing the three groups, there was significance for the CG as EG-2 of the BFV in the right ICA (in E1) and of the BFV in the left ICA (in E2). CONCLUSION: Despite the BFV oscillations, one can conclude that the OM-CRAT generates oscillation in the BFV within the normality parameters and it is not a risk factor for cerebral circulation.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A manipulação vertebral cervical (MVC) pode reduzir ou melhorar a dor e a tontura de origem cervical. No entanto, há críticas contra a MVC. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se a manipulação osteopática (MO) com técnica articulatória rítmica cervical (TARC) proporciona oscilações de velocidade de fluxo sanguíneo (VFS) nas artérias carótidas internas (ACI), vertebrais (AV) e basilar (AB), e se essa técnica é um fator de risco para esse sistema circulatório. MÉTODOS: A casuística foi constituída de 73 indivíduos (homens e mulheres) com cervicalgia mecânica, com idade média de 37,7±6,4 anos, sendo 58 com dor leve a moderada, divididos por aleatorização em grupos controle (GC) e experimental-1 (GE-1), e 15 com dor intensa no grupo experimental-2 (GE-2). Todos foram submetidos à ultrassonografia arterial (em ACI, AV e AB) em metodologia encoberta para os exames 1 (E1) e 2 (E2). Entre E1 e E2 foi realizado única MO-TARC para os GE 1 e 2, e repouso para o GC. RESULTADOS: Em GE-1 houve pequena redução de VFS da ACI direita. Em GE-2 houve aumento significativo de VFS na AV direita. Todas as amostras apresentaram normalidade. Em GC houve redução de VFS da AV esquerda. No comparativo entre os três grupos houve significância para o GC como GE-2 na VFS da ACI direita (em E1) e na VFS da ACI esquerda (em E2). CONCLUSÃO: Apesar das oscilações de VFS, concluiu-se que a MO-TARC gera oscilação de VFS dentro dos parâmetros de normalidade e não é um fator de risco para a circulação cerebral.

Effects of spinal manipulation and myofascial techniques on heart rate variability: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of heart rate variability is important to the investigation of stimuli from the autonomic nervous system. Osteopathy is a form of treatment that can influence this system in healthy individuals as well as those with a disorder or disease. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature regarding the effect of spinal manipulation and myofascial techniques on heart rate variability. METHODS: Searches were performed of the Pubmed, Scielo, Lilacs, PEDro, Ibesco, Cochrane and Scopus databases for relevant studies. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of each study selected. RESULTS: A total of 505 articles were retrieved during the initial search. After an analysis of the abstracts, nine studies were selected for the present review. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, osteopathy exerts an influence on the autonomic nervous system depending on the stimulation site and type. A greater parasympathetic response was found when stimulation was performed in the cervical and lumbar regions, whereas a greater sympathetic response was found when stimulation was performed in the thoracic region.

Duração dos efeitos de uma manipulação vertebral sobre a intensidade da dor e atividade eletromiográfica dos paravertebrais de indivíduos com lombalgia crônica mecânica / Duración de los efectos de manipulación vertebral sobre la intensidad de dolor y actividad electromiográfica de la columna en sujetos con dolor lumbar crónico mecánico / Duration of the effects of spinal manipulation on pain intensity and electromyographic activity of paravertebral parts of individuals with chronic mechanical low back pain

RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos de uma intervenção manipulativa sobre a atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos paraverterbais e a intensidade da dor na coluna lombar imediatamente e 30 minutos após sua realização em indivíduos com dor lombar crônica mecânica. Foram avaliados 38 indivíduos, distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: o que recebeu a técnica de manipulação vertebral global (n=20) e o controle (n=18), que permanecia em decúbito lateral por dez segundos sobre cada lado do corpo. O sinal eletromiográfico dos paravertebrais ao nível L4-L5 direito e esquerdo foi coletado durante três ciclos do movimento de flexão-relaxamento-extensão do tronco. Nos intervalos entre os ciclos, os participantes relataram a intensidade de dor através da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA 100 mm). Foi observada redução significativa na intensidade da dor no grupo que recebeu a manipulação, ao contrário do grupo controle, em que a pontuação na EVA aumentou. O tamanho do efeito na intensidade da dor foi de 1,0 e 0,9 logo após a manipulação e 30 minutos depois. A razão de flexão/relaxamento (RFR) aumentou no grupo que foi submetido à manipulação, mas permaneceu inalterada no grupo controle. A RFR exibiu tamanhos de 0,6 e 0,5 entre os grupos nas duas avaliações. Foi possível constatar efeitos da manipulação nessas duas variáveis e sua continuidade no intervalo observado, concluindo-se que eles perduram pelo menos durante esse tempo.

RESUMEN En este estudio se evalúan los efectos de intervención manipulativa sobre la actividad electromiográfica de los músculos paravertebrales y la intensidad del dolor lumbar inmediatamente y treinta minutos después de realizada la actividad por sujetos con dolor lumbar crónica mecánica. Participaron 38 sujetos, los cuales fueron divididos al azar en dos grupos: el que había recibido la técnica de manejo vertebral global (n=20) y el grupo control (n=18), lo cual había permanecido en posición lateral por diez segundos sobre cada lado del cuerpo. Se recolectó el signo electromiográfico de los paravertebrales al nivel L4-L5 derecho e izquierdo durante tres ciclos de movimiento de flexión-relajamiento-extensión del tronco. Entre los intervalos de los ciclos, los participantes relataron la intensidad de dolor mediante la Escala Visual Analógica (EVA 100 mm). Los resultados mostraron una significativa disminución en la intensidad de dolor en el grupo que había recibido el manejo, mientras que el grupo control aumentó el puntaje de EVA. El efecto de la intensidad de dolor fue de 1,0 y 0,9 tras el manejo y treinta minutos después. La razón flexión/relajamiento (RFR) aumentó en el grupo al que se sometió al manejo, mientras que había permanecido inalterable en el grupo control. Los valores de los efectos de la RFR entre los grupos fueron de 0,6 y 0,5 en las dos evaluaciones. En estas dos variables se constataron efectos de manejo, que había seguido en el intervalo observado, lo que muestra su permanencia por lo menos durante el periodo.

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of a manipulative intervention on the electromyographic activity of paraverterbral muscles and low back pain intensity, both immediately and 30 minutes after their application in individuals with chronic low back pain. Thirty-eight individuals were evaluated, being randomly divided into two groups: the one who received global vertebral manipulation technique (n=20), and control (n=18), which remained in lateral decubitus for 10 seconds on each side of the body. The electromyographic signal of paravertebral parts at L4-L5 level both right and left was collected during three cycles of flexion-relaxation-extension of the torso. In the intervals between cycles, participants reported the intensity of pain through the Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 100 mm). A significant reduction in pain intensity in the group that received the manipulation was observed, opposed to the control group, in which the score increased in VAS. The dimension of the effect on pain intensity was 1.0 and 0.9 right after the manipulation and 30 minutes later. The flexion/relaxation ratio (FRR) increased in the group that was subjected to manipulation, but remained unchanged in the control group. The FRR displayed effects between the groups that were 0.6 and 0.5 in both assessments. We were able to see effects of the manipulation in these two variables, and its continuation in the range observed, concluding that they linger at least during that time.

Immediate effects of upper thoracic manipulation on the skin surface temperature of the vertebral region in healthy women / Efeitos imediatos da manipulação torácica alta sobre a temperatura superficial cutânea da região vertebral em mulheres saudáveis / Los efectos inmediatos de la alta manipulación torácica de la temperatura superficial de la piel en la región vertebral en mujeres sanas

Manipulation of the spinal column is a manual therapeutic resource characterized by passive thrust of a given joint at a high velocity and low amplitude within the limits of anatomic integrity. The objective of the present study was to assess the immediate effects of upper thoracic manipulation on skin temperature in the vertebral region in healthy women. Thus, a randomized controlled blind trial was realized in the university community. Twenty-six healthy women were randomly allocated into an experimental group (n=13) and a placebo group (n=13). A single session of upper thoracic spine manipulation (segment T3) was performed. Infrared thermography was used to determine changes in skin temperature in the vertebral region. Images were taken prior to, immediately after and both five and 10 minutes after manipulation. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni test was used for inter and intragroup comparisons. The level of significance was set to 5%. No significant differences were found between the different evaluation times in either group (p>0.05). In the intergroup analysis, no statistically significant differences were found in any of the comparisons (p>0.05). Based on the method employed, thoracic spine manipulation of the T3 vertebral segment does not promote changes in skin surface temperature in the region manipulated in asymptomatic individuals.

A manipulação da coluna vertebral é um recurso da terapia manual caracterizado por um impulso passivo de alta velocidade e baixa amplitude dentro dos limites de integridade anatômica de uma articulação (thrust). O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos imediatos da manipulação torácica alta sobre a temperatura superficial cutânea da região vertebral em mulheres saudáveis. Para tal, foi realizado um estudo clínico randomizado cego na comunidade universitária. Vinte e seis voluntárias saudáveis foram alocadas de forma randomizada em um grupo experimental (n=13) e um grupo placebo (n=13). Uma sessão de manipulação torácica alta (segmento T3) foi realizada. Foi empregada a termografia infravermelha para determinar alterações na temperatura cutânea na região vertebral. Imagens foram capturadas antes, imediatamente após, cinco e dez minutos após a manipulação. Foi usada análise de variância com medidas repetidas (dois critérios) seguida do teste de Bonferroni para as comparações inter e intragrupos. Adotou-se um nível de significância de 5%. Não foi encontrada diferença significativa nas diferentes avaliações ao longo do tempo (p>0,05). Na análise intergrupos, não foi constatada diferença significativa nas comparações realizadas (p>0,05). Com base na metodologia empregada, a manipulação torácica do segmento vertebral T3 não promoveu alterações na temperatura superficial cutânea na região manipulada.

La manipulación de la espina dorsal es un recurso de terapia manual que se caracteriza por un impulso pasivo de alta velocidad y baja amplitud de los límites de integridad anatómica de una articulación (thrust). Esta investigación tuvo por objetivo evaluar los efectos inmediatos de la alta manipulación torácica de la temperatura superficial de la piel en la región vertebral en mujeres sanas. Para eso, se ha realizado un estudio clínico aleatorizado ciego en la comunidad universitaria. Veintiséis voluntarias han sido puestas de forma aleatorizada en un grupo experimental (n=13) y un grupo placebo (n=13). Ha sido realizada una sesión de manipulación torácica alta (segmento T3). Se ha empleado el término infrarrojo para determinar alteraciones en la temperatura de la piel en la región vertebral. Se han capturado imágenes antes, inmediatamente después, cinco y diez minutos tras la manipulación. Se ha hecho un análisis de los cambios con medidas repetidas (dos criterios) seguido de la prueba de Bonferroni para las comparaciones inter e intragrupal. Se ha adoptado un nivel de significancia de 5%. No ha sido encontrado diferencias significativas en las diferentes evaluaciones al largo del tiempo (p>0,05). En el análisis intergrupal, no ha sido constatado diferencias significativas en las comparaciones realizadas (p>0,05). Basándose en la metodología empleada, la manipulación torácica del segmento vertebral T3 no cambió la temperatura superficial de la piel en la región estudiada.

Immediate electromyographic changes of the upper limb muscles following cervical manipulation in a patient with essential tremor: a case report / Alterações eletromiográficas imediatas dos músculos dos membros superiores após manipulação cervical em uma paciente com tremor essencial: estudo de caso

Introduction and Objective: The purpose of this case report is to evaluate upper limb muscle electric behavior by surface electromyography before and after cervical manipulation in a patient with essential tremor. Methods: In 2009, essential tremor was diagnosed by a neurologist in a 25-year-old woman. Previous treatment included Paroxetine for a number of months, without alteration of her symptoms. The patient was assessed by surface electromyography of the upper limb muscles (flexor and extensor of the wrist, long heads of biceps and triceps) before and after being subjected to high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation to her mid cervical spine (C3-C4 level, 1 manipulation/side). Results: There was an increase of the median frequency rate and a decrease of the electrical activity of these muscles. Conclusion: This case study showed the cervical manipulation technique acutely modifying the electromyographic activity, increasing the median frequency, and decreasing the muscle recruitment of the upper limb. It suggests improved motor control during the tasks.

Introdução e Objetivo: O objetivo neste estudo de caso foi avaliar o comportamento elétrico dos músculos do membro superior, por eletromiografia, antes e após manipulação cervical em paciente com tremor essencial. Métodos: Uma mulher (25 anos) apresentou-se com tremor essencial, diagnosticado em 2009 por neurologista. Foi empregado tratamento prévio com Paroxetina por meses, sem diminuição dos sintomas. A paciente foi avaliada por eletromiografia dos músculos dos membros superiores (flexores e extensores do punho, cabeça longa do bíceps e do tríceps) antes e após manipulação de alta velocidade e baixa amplitude na cervical média (nível C3-C4, 1 manipulação para cada lado). Resultados: Observou-se aumento na frequência mediana e diminuição na atividade elétrica dos músculos avaliados. Conclusão: A técnica de manipulação cervical modificou de forma imediata a atividade eletromiográfica, aumentando a frequência mediana e diminuindo o recrutamento dos músculos do membro superior para a paciente estudada, sugerindo melhor controle motor durante a atividade proposta.

Influência da manipulação osteopática na amplitude de rotação da coluna cervical em indivíduos com cervicalgia mecânica crônica / Influence of manipulation at range of rotation of the cervical spine in chronic mechanical neck pain

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A amplitude de movimento do pescoço pode ser reduzida pela presença de disfunções vertebrais e miofasciais, as quais podem ser tratadas pela manipulação osteopática por meio da técnica articulatória rítmica cervical. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se a manipulação osteopática, através da técnica articulatória rítmica gera aumento da amplitude de rotação cervical mensurada por fleximetria. MÉTODOS: A casuística foi constituída de 58 indivíduos de ambos os gêneros, com idade média de 36±6,5 anos, com cervicalgia mecânica crônica, que foram submetidos de maneira randomizada à fleximetria controle da rotação cervical, à manipulação osteopática, por meio da técnica articulatória rítmica, ao repouso de 5 minutos e à fleximetria estudo da rotação cervical. RESULTADOS: A comparação entre as médias das fleximetrias de rotação cervical através do teste t de Student para dados pareados, ao nível de significância de 0,05 (5%), mostrou que houve aumento significativo da rotação cervical em todos os casos (p<0,05) passando de 151,4º para 162,5º no arco total de movimento (aumento de 7,3%). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados foram dentro do esperado, confirmando que a manipulação osteopática, através da técnica articulatória rítmica gerou aumento significativo da amplitude de rotação cervical em todos os casos, podendo servir de tratamento de doenças que se relacionam à redução da mobilidade vertebral, como cervicalgia e osteoartrite cervical.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neck range of motion may be decreased by vertebral and myofascial dysfunctions, which may be treated with osteopathic manipulation through the cervical rhythmic articulatory technique. This study aimed at verifying whether osteopathic manipulation with rhythmic articulatory technique improves cervical rotation range measured by fleximetry. METHODS: The group was made up of 58 individuals of both genders, mean age of 36±6.5 years, with chronic mechanical neck pain, who were randomized to cervical rotation control fleximetry, to osteopathic manipulation through the rhythmic articulatory technique, to 5-minute rest and to cervical rotation study fleximetry. RESULTS: The comparison of cervical rotation fleximetry means through Student's t test for paired data at significance level of 0.05 (5%) has shown significant cervical rotation improvement in all cases (p<0.05), going from 151.4º to 162.5º in total movement arch (7.3% improvement). CONCLUSION: Results were as expected, confirming that osteopathic manipulation using the rhythmic articulatory technique generates significant improvement of cervical rotation range in all cases and may be an alternative to treat diseases related to vertebral mobility reduction, such as neck pain and cervical osteoarthritis.