RESUMEN

Background: Diagnosing asymmetries and restoring functional balance are challenges in facial rehabilitation and aesthetic procedures. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to evaluate whether occlusal imbalance and the electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles in young women may be associated with facial asymmetry. Material and Methods: Fifty women (mean age ± standard deviation: 22.5 ± 2.7), without temporomandibular dysfunction and with balanced facial profiles, were divided into two groups categorized by receiver operating characteristic analysis: symmetric (n=25) and asymmetric (n=25). The variables included the evaluation of asymmetry through clinical examination, quantification of asymmetry using stereophotogrammetry through the root mean square method, asymmetry of occlusal contacts, and electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporal muscles in both latero-lateral and antero-posterior directions. The mean asymmetry indices were compared using Welch's t-test and the Mann-Whitney test. The impact of occlusal and muscular imbalance on facial asymmetry was assessed through linear regression analysis. Results: A significant difference was observed between the groups in the asymmetry of occlusal contacts, with a considerable effect size (p<0.01 - Cohen's d=0.73). The imbalance in the electromyographic activities of the masseter and temporal muscles was considered a predictor of facial asymmetry (F=4.00, p<0.02, R²=0.15). Conclusions: Occlusal imbalance and electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporal muscles are associated with facial asymmetry. Key words:Facial asymmetry, masticatory muscles, stereophotogrammetry, occlusion, electromyography.

RESUMEN

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis both affect the articular cartilage, and are characterized by signs and symptoms that can affect the functions of the human body. This cross-sectional observational study evaluated electromyographic activity in the masseter and temporalis muscles, molar bite force, and mandibular mobility in adult women with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. A total of 42 women were distributed into 3 groups: rheumatoid arthritis group (ARG, n=14); osteoarthritis group (OAG, n=14); and a healthy control group (CG, n=14). Electromyography was used to evaluate mandibular tasks at rest, right and left laterality, protrusion, and dental clenching during maximum voluntary contraction, with and without parafilm, and a dynamometer was used to analyse the right and left molar bite forces. A digital caliper was used to measure the range of mandibular movement for maximum mouth opening, right and left laterality, and protrusion. Statistical analyses were performed, including analysis of variance and Tukey's test (P<0.05). Electromyography showed no significant differences between the groups when evaluating the masticatory muscles during the mandibular tasks. Significant difference was observed between the ARG and CG, however, in the maximum right (P=0.007) and left (P=0.02) molar bite forces. Significant difference was observed in the maximum mouth opening of the ARG and OAG groups compared with that of the CG (P=0.009), suggesting that adult women with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis experience functional alterations in the stomatognathic system, particularly in molar bite force and maximum mouth opening.

Asunto(s)

Artritis Reumatoide , Fuerza de la Mordida , Electromiografía , Osteoartritis , Humanos , Femenino , Artritis Reumatoide/fisiopatología , Estudios Transversales , Persona de Mediana Edad , Osteoartritis/fisiopatología , Osteoartritis/diagnóstico , Adulto , Mandíbula/fisiopatología , Anciano , Músculo Temporal/fisiopatología , Músculo Masetero/fisiopatología , Estudios de Casos y Controles

RESUMEN

COVID-19 pandemic can have a significant impact on an individual's physical and emotional well-being. However, it is important to note that not all experiences of the pandemic are negative. This study aims to evaluate the perception of quality of life of students enrolled in a nursing course during the COVID-19 pandemic by administering a global questionnaire. A quantitative, exploratory, cross-sectional, and descriptive study to investigate perception of quality of life of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants comprised 80 students graduating with a nursing qualification between 2020 and 2021. The Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index was used in the study. The mean scores are reported as follows: health/functioning domain (22.06), socioeconomic domain (21.40), psychological/spiritual domain (23.34), and family domain (23.06), with an average general quality of life index of 22.46. After evaluating the domains, it was found that there was a higher perception of the psychological/spiritual domain and lower perception of the socioeconomic domain. The results supported the internal consistency reliability of the entire Quality of Life (QLI; alpha=0.95) and the four subscales (alpha=0.88, 0.71, 0.92, and 0.80). The study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic did not have an impact on the perceived quality of life among students.(AU)

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Pandemia de COVID-19 pode ter um impacto significativo no bem-estar físico e emocional de um sujeito. No entanto, é importante notar que nem todas as experiências da pandemia são negativas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a percepção da qualidade de vida de estudantes matriculados em um curso de enfermagem durante a pandemia de COVID-19 por meio da aplicação de um questionário global. Estudo quantitativo, exploratório, transversal e descritivo para investigar a percepção da qualidade de vida de escolares durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Participaram 80 estudantes concluintes do curso de enfermagem entre 2020 e 2021. O Índice de Qualidade de Vida de Ferrans e Powers foi utilizado no estudo. Os escores médios foram relatados da seguinte forma: domínio saúde/funcionamento (22,06), domínio socioeconômico (21,40), domínio psicológico/espiritual (23,34) e domínio família (23,06), com média geral do índice de qualidade de vida de 22,46. Após a avaliação dos domínios, constatou-se maior percepção do domínio psicológico/espiritual e menor percepção do domínio socioeconômico. Os resultados apoiaram a confiabilidade da consistência interna de toda a Qualidade de Vida (QLI; alfa=0,95) e as quatro subescalas (alfa=0,88, 0,71, 0,92 e 0,80). O estudo sugere que a pandemia de COVID-19 não teve impacto na qualidade de vida percebida entre os estudantes.(AU)