This study aimed to identify the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories addressed by the assessment tools commonly used in post-stroke rehabilitation and characterize patients based on its evaluation model. [Subjects and Methods] An exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 35 individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis. Handgrip strength was assessed to evaluate body functions and structures. The 10-meter gait speed test and Timed Up and Go test were administered to evaluate activity. The Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale was used to evaluate participation. Moreover, a systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies that have associated these assessment tools with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories. [Results] The tools employed in this study for evaluating function addressed 63 International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories: 24 related to body functions and structures; 36 related to activity and participation; and 3 related to environmental factors. [Conclusion] The assessment tools employed in this study addressed 63 International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories and allowed a more complete evaluation of stroke survivors with hemiparesis. Use of this classification can therefore be more easily incorporated into clinical practice.

BackgroundA number of problems involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The aim of the proposed study is to assess the effect of low-level laser therapy on occlusal contacts, mandibular movements, electromyography activity in the muscles of mastication and pain in adolescents with TMD.Methods/DesignA randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial will be carried out involving 85 male and female adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age. The research diagnostic criteria for TMD will be used to assess all individuals who agree to participate. All participants will be submitted to a clinical examination and electromyographic analysis of the masseter muscles and anterior bundle of the temporal muscles bilaterally, to determine TMD. Based on the clinical findings, the participants will be classified as having or not having TMD. Those with TMD will be divided into four groups, three of which will receive low-level laser therapy and one of which will receive a placebo treatment. The treatments will involve the TMJ region alone, the masseter and temporal muscles alone, or both these regions together. The data will be submitted to descriptive statistical analysis. The chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test will be used to determine associations among the categorical variables. The Student’s t test and analysis of variance will be used for the comparison of mean electromyographic signals. Pearson’s correlation coefficients will be calculated for the analysis of correlations among the continuous variables.Trial registrationThe protocol for this study has been submitted to Clinical Trials – registration number (NCT01846000).

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to assess the behavior of the mean and median frequencies of the electromyography signal of the mastication muscles of adolescents with different degrees of TMD severity. [Subjects] Forty-two adolescents aged 14 to 18 years. [Methods] The adolescents were classified according to severity using the Helkimo Index. The control group consisted of 14 subjects with no signs or symptoms of TMD. Three readings were taken in during maximum intercuspation and mandibular rest, with each reading lasting 10 seconds. [Results] Significant differences (p=0.0001) were found in the mean frequency (Hz) between the control group (CG), mild TMD group (MG) and moderate/severe TMD group (MSG), especially during mandibular rest, for all muscles evaluated: right temporal: CG (137.5), MG (194.2), MSG (291.7); left temporal: CG (106.9), MG (200.6), MSG (294.2); right masseter: CG (155.7), MG (242.8), MSG (278.3); left masseter: CG (125.0), MG (214.6), MSG (316.7). Greater differences among groups were found under the condition of mandibular rest. Conclusions: Adolescents with TMD especially those with more severe symptoms exhibit hyperactivity of the mastication muscles.

[Purpose] To assess the association between the oclusal characteristics, headache, parafunctional habits and clicking sounds and signs/symptoms of TMD in adolescents. [Subjects] Adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age. [Methods] The participants were evaluated using the Helkimo Index and a clinical examination to track clicking sounds, parafunctional habits and other signs/symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Subjects were classified according to the presence or absence of headache, type of occlusion, facial pattern and type of bite. In statistical analyse we used the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, with a level of significance of 5%. [Results] The sample was made up of 81 adolescents with a mean age of 15.64 years; 51.9% were male. The prevalence of signals/symptoms of TMD was 74.1%, predominantly affecting females. Signals/symptoms of TMD were significantly associated with clicking sounds, headache and nail biting. No associations were found between signals/symptoms of TMD and angle classification, type of bite and facial pattern. [Conclusion] Headache is one of the most closely associated symptoms of TMD. Clicking sounds were found in the majority of cases. Therefore, the sum of two or more factors may be necessary for the onset and perpetuation of TMD.

The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in a group of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and to analyze oral health according to the severity of the disease. [Methods] Signs and symptoms of TMD were evaluated using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, and oral health impact was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile. The unpaired Student’s t-test was used to compare groups with and without TMD. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine correlations between the level of functional independence and oral health impact. Fisher’s exact test was used to test the association between TMD and the severity of symptoms of PD. [Results] Fifty-nine individuals with PD were analyzed. The prevalence of TMD was 20.33%. No statistically significant associations were found between TMD and the severity of PD. Oral health impact was considered weak, but a statistically significant difference between groups with and without TMD was found for psychological disability (p = 0.003). No significant correlation was found between the level of functional independence and oral health impact. [Conclusion] The prevalence of TMD among patients with Parkinson’s disease was 20.33%. A statistically significant difference between groups with and without TMD was found regarding the psychological disability domain.