ABSTRACT Objective to compare parameters of postural control in teachers of state education network with different levels of habitual physical activity. Methods 50 teachers (48.1 ± 9 years) participated and were evaluated on a force platform, in a bipedal position, eyes open, on surfaces rigid and unstable. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (version abbreviated) was used to categorize the level of physical activity into low, moderate and high. The level of physical activity was also divided into groups of more active (G1) and less active (G2). The study carried out an analysis of subgroups by gender and age range and applied non-parametric statistics. Results the data showed that the G2 group, the less active women and the less active individuals in the age group of 49 to 60 years presented worse results in speed in the anteroposterior direction, in the condition of unstable surface and the difference in means between the rigid surface and the unstable. Conclusion the less active group, the less active teachers and less active participants in the 49-60 age group had worse results in velocity in the anteroposterior direction.

RESUMO Objetivo comparar parâmetros do controle postural em professores da rede estadual de ensino com diferentes níveis de atividade física habitual. Métodos participaram 50 professores (48,1±9 anos) que foram avaliados em plataforma de força, na posição bipodal, olhos abertos, em superfícies rígida e instável. O Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (versão curta) foi utilizado para categorizar o nível de atividade física em baixo, moderado e alto. O nível de atividade física também foi dicotomizado em grupos de mais ativos (G1) e menos ativos (G2). O estudo realizou análise de subgrupos para gênero e faixa etária e aplicou a estatística não paramétrica. Resultados os dados demonstraram que o grupo G2, as mulheres menos ativas e os indivíduos menos ativos na faixa etária de 49 a 60 anos apresentaram piores resultados na velocidade na direção anteroposterior, na condição de superfície instável e na diferença das médias entre a superfície rígida e a instável. Conclusão o grupo menos ativo, as professoras menos ativas e os participantes menos ativos na faixa etária de 49 a 60 anos apresentaram piores resultados na velocidade na direção anteroposterior.

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus affects a large portion of the world’s population. There are several questionnaires being used for the evaluation of the severity of tinnitus and its impact in quality of life; however, they do not measure treatment-related changes. So, a new self-reported questionnaire was developed, the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), which has been translated into several languages. Objective To perform the translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the TFI questionnaire for Brazilian Portuguese. Method This is a multicenter project divided into two stages: translation and cultural adaptation; and validation and reliability. For the validation, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the TFI was correlated with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) domains for tinnitus and quality of life and was evaluated by the Spearman ρ test. The reliability and internal consistency were evaluated by the Cronbach α test. Result The Brazilian version of the TFI was obtained through an initial translation process, synthesis of translations, backtranslation and evaluation by a committee of experts. This version was then applied in 88 patients complaining of tinnitus from speech therapy and otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinics of the three school clinics. The Brazilian version presented high reliability, as evidenced by the Cronbach α value (α = 0.870), and strong correlation (rho = 0.760 and p = 0.000). Conclusion The high reliability found in the results demonstrates that the Brazilian Portuguese version of the TFI is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate the severity and impact of tinnitus on quality of life and changes related to its treatment.

Abstract Introduction Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a serious public health problem. Some evidence suggests a significant relationship between SNHL and balance disorders. The inability to maintain balance associated with SNHL while standing further increases the risk of falls among older people. Objective To investigate the association between SNHL on the postural balance in elderly individuals of both genders. Methods The sample consisted of 247 (166 women) physically independent elderly individuals, (mean age = 68.4 ± 6.0). The instruments used were the anamnesis and the pure tone audiometry for hearing loss, and for balance a force platform based in measures of center of pressure area and of sway velocity in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. Results Presence of hearing loss (HL) was observed in 68% of the participants. We observed a significant association between SNHL and characteristics of balance between the groups with and without HL for center of pressure (COP) area (p = 0.010), anteroposterior velocity (p = 0.001) and mediolateral velocity (p = 0.020). There was a significant difference between the gender groups for center of pressure area (p = 0.004), anteroposterior velocity (p = 0.001) and mediolateral velocity (p = 0.001) with better performance in the female group. Amongst men, there was a difference between the ones with HL and those without it, for COP area (p = 0.049). Conclusion In the present study, elderly individuals with SNHL exhibited more instability on the postural balance, and elderly men presented worse results in the test.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar se existe correlação entre a sensação e repercussão do zumbido na qualidade de vida e postura craniocervical em professores. Métodos: estudo transversal com uma amostra de 90 professores participantes do projeto Pró-Mestre, com média de idade de 47,70 anos, que responderam ao Índice de disfunção Crânio cervical e a escala visual-analógica (EVA) e a adaptação para a língua portuguesa do Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) para verificar o zumbido e sua repercussão na qualidade de vida. Foram aplicados os testes estatísticos pertinentes, adotando o nivel de significancia menor que 0,05. Resultados: dos 90 professores 18 (20%) apresentavam zumbido. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre a sensação do zumbido pela escala EVA e a postura craniocervical em professores (p <0,001). Também foi encontrada associação entre a queixa de zumbido e a amplitude de movimento com rotação para a direita, sendo que a idade e a inclinação lateral para a direita são fatores independentes no que se refere a sensação de zumbido em professores. Na correlação do THI (total e domínios) apenas a inclinação à esquerda apresentou associação com a mobilidade cervical. Conclusão: os resultados da pesquisa demonstraram correlação entre a sensação e repercussão do zumbido na qualidade de vida e postura craniocervical em professores, apontando que estes aspectos devem ser considerados na avaliação de professores com zumbido, além de que, são necessários mais estudos com população de professores, adultos saudáveis, com intuito de ampliar o conhecimento sobre o assunto.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify whether there is a correlation between tinnitus sensation and repercussion on the quality of life and craniocervical posture in teachers, participating in the Pró-Mestre project. Methods: a cross-sectional study with a sample of 90 teachers, mean age of 47.70 years, who responded to the Craniocervical Dysfunction Index (CDI), to verify the craniocervical posture, the analog visual scale (AVS), and the Portuguese adaptation of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), to investigate tinnitus and its impact on the quality of life. Appropriate statistical tests were applied, by adopting a significance level lower than 0.05. Results: out of the 90 teachers, 18 (20%) had tinnitus. There was a statistically significant difference between the sensation of tinnitus, according to the AVS and the craniocervical posture (CDI) in teachers (p <0.001). There was also an association between tinnitus complaint and right-rotation range of motion, with age and right lateral tilt being independent factors, regarding teachers' tinnitus sensation. In the correlation of the THI (total and domains), there was an association with cervical mobility, only in the left inclination. Conclusion: since a statistically significant difference was found between the subjective sensation of tinnitus and the craniocervical posture with a correlation between tinnitus sensation and repercussion on the quality of life and craniocervical posture in teachers, these aspects should be considered in the assessment of teachers presented with tinnitus, as well as further studies with a population of teachers, healthy adults, in order to increase the knowledge on the subject.

Abstract Introduction The aging process causes changes in body structure in a continuous manner, and contributes to clinical disorders. Life expectancy is increasing, especially in developing countries. Objective To assess the prevalence of hearing loss and its possible association with hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) in the elderly. Methods A cross-sectional study with 519 elderly individuals aged over 60 years who underwent an audiological evaluation (pure tone audiometry), and answered a comorbidity questionnaire that included questions about age, gender, tinnitus and medical history, with data concerning DM. The dependent variable was the presence of hearing loss. The independent variables were age, gender, DM and hypertension. The variables were presented in absolute numbers and proportions, and enabled us to estimate the prevalence. The statistical analysis was performed through multiple logistic regression with 95% confidence intervals and values of p< 0.05 for the hearing loss and its associated factors. Results A total of 519 subjects of both genders with a median age of 69 years were evaluated, and the individuals who did not attend the audiometric test were excluded from the study, so the final sample was composed of 498 subjects. Sensorineural hearing loss was more prevalent (66.26%) of most frequently with bilateral hearing loss of 91.56% and 26.50% with mild degree. The statistical analysis showed that the variable DM was associated with the high frequency of hearing loss in the elderly, and according to the multiple logistic regression, the risk factors are independent of the hearing loss only for age and exposure to occupational noise. Conclusions There was a statistically significant difference between hearing loss at high frequencies and the risk factors, that is, age and DM.

Abstract Introduction Functional disorders of the craniocervical region affect 77.78% of Brazilian teachers. Among the most common instruments used to assess craniocervical disorders in a detailed and objective way, none had been translated to Brazilian Portuguese and adapted to Brazilian culture. Objectives To translate to Brazilian Portuguese and to culturally adapt the Craniocervical Dysfunction Index (CDI). Method The first phase of the study consisted of the translation, synthesis, backtranslation, and review of the contents by a committee of experts, who developed a trial version and sent all the steps to the original author. The trial version was applied to 50 teachers of an institution. The reliability and internal consistency were evaluated by Cronbach α. For the validation, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CDI was correlated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) domains for cervicalgia and evaluated by Spearman ρ. Result Some expressions were adapted to the Brazilian culture. Among the participants who did not report neck pain in the VAS, 84.21% suffered from craniocervical dysfunction acording to the CDI. Among the participants who reported neck pain in the VAS, 100% suffered from craniocervical dysfunction according to the CDI. The CDI showed good internal consistency and satisfactory reliability measured by Cronbrach α (α = 0.717). There was a strong correlation between the CDI and the VAS score (ρ = 0.735). Conclusion No difficulties were encountered in the translation and back-translation of the CDI, and no problems were observed regarding the trial version developed; therefore, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CDI is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate the functional alteration of the craniocervical region.

Resumo Introdução: O zumbido é a sensação subjetiva de ouvir um som na ausência de um estímulo externo e piora significativamente a qualidade de vida de 15%-25% das pessoas afetadas. Objetivo: Verificar a efetividade da terapia por acupuntura em indivíduos com zumbido. Método: Ensaio clínico aleatorizado com 50 participantes com zumbido, divididos em dois grupos: 25 participantes no Grupo da Acupuntura (GA) e 25 participantes do Grupo de Controle (GC). O GA recebeu tratamento com a craniopuntura chinês e o GC não recebeu nenhum tratamento. Após o período de 5 semanas, eles foram chamados para realizar a avaliação final e o GC recebeu tratamento de acupuntura por questões éticas de pesquisa. Resultados: Foi encontrado resultado estatisticamente significativo para o desfecho primário, reduzindo a intensidade do zumbido, com p = 0,0001 e o desfecho secundário, apresentando melhora na qualidade de vida, com p = 0,0001. Conclusão: A craniopuntura chinesa associada à eletroacupuntura bilateral nos mostrou no curto prazo, uma melhora estatisticamente significativa, reduzindo o nível de intensidade do zumbido, bem como melhorando a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos com zumbido.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is a subjective sensation of hearing a sound in the absence of an external stimulus, which significantly worsens the quality of life in 15-25% of affected individuals. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy for tinnitus. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial (REBEC: 2T9T7Q) with 50 participants with tinnitus, divided into two groups: 25 participants in the acupuncture group and 25 participants in the control group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture treatment and the control group received no treatment. After a period of 5 weeks, they were called to perform the final evaluation and the control group received acupuncture treatment for ethical reasons. RESULTS: A statistically significant result was found for the primary outcome, reducing the intensity of tinnitus, with p = 0.0001 and the secondary endpoint, showing improvement in quality of life, with p = 0.0001. CONCLUSION: Chinese scalp acupuncture associated with bilateral electroacupuncture demonstrated, in the short term, a statistically significant improvement by reducing the level of tinnitus intensity, as well as improving the quality of life of individuals with tinnitus.