Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydrotherapy and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on the birth weight of preterm infants admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Method: It was a randomized controlled trial, without blinding, in which 44 preterm infants of both sexes with gestational age between 32 and 34 weeks were included into two groups: hydrotherapy group (n = = 22) and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation group (n = 22). Weight gain was the parameter assessed daily. Results: In the tactile-kinesthetic stimulation group there was a variation in weight gain, but without significant difference (p = 0,43). However, in the hydrotherapy group, it was observed that increased weight gain started from the 2nd day (p < 0,001). Conclusions: Hydrotherapy group presented significantly increased weight after the interventions, indicating that this technique can interfere with weight gain in preterm infants.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar a ergonomia de duas modelagens de sutiãs para amamentação. Métodos: estudo descritivo realizado com 152 lactantes em um hospital universitário brasileiro. Os protótipos foram separados em dois grupos (A e B). Para comparar as duas modelagens de sutiãs, foi utilizado a Odds Ratio (OR) como uma medida de intensidade da associação. Nas percepções subjetivas, utilizaramse a Escala de Borg Modificada e o teste qui-quadrado de independência (χ2). Para comparar os dois protótipos, realizou-se o teste Z e análise de regressão logística. Considerou-se um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: o sutiã do grupo B foi o mais adequado para ergonomia de conforto físico e psicoestético do que o do grupo A (p < 0,0001), segundo os testes de regressão logística. Conclusões: a modelagem B foi ergonomicamente adequada, com critérios de usabilidade e avaliação centrada nas lactantes.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the ergonomics of two models of breastfeeding bras. Methods: descriptive study carried out with 152 infants in a Brazilian university hospital. The prototypes were separated into two groups (A and B). To compare the two bra models, the Odds Ratio (OR) was used as a measure of the strength of the association. In subjective perceptions, the Modified Borg Scale, and the chi-square test of independence (χ2) were used. To compare the two prototypes, the Z test and logistic regression analysis were performed. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results: the bra in group B was more suitable for ergonomics of physical and psycho-aesthetic comfort than the bra in group A (p < 0.0001), according to the logistic regression tests. Conclusions: modeling B was ergonomically adequate, with usability and evaluation criteria centered on breastfeeding women.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar la ergonomía de dos modelados de sostén para lactancia materna. Métodos: estudio descriptivo realizado con 152 lactantes en un hospital universitario brasileño. Los prototipos fueron separados en dos grupos (A y B). Para comparar los dos modelados de sostén, fue utilizado la Odds Ratio (OR) como una medida de intensidad de la asociación. En las percepciones subjetivas, se utilizaron la Escala de Borg Modificada y el test chi-cuadrado de independencia (χ2). Para comparar los dos prototipos, se realizó el test Z y análisis de regresión logística. Se consideró un nivel de significación de 5%. Resultados: el sostén del grupo B fue el más adecuado para ergonomía de conforto físico y psicoestético del que el del grupo A (p < 0,0001), segundo los testes de regresión logística. Conclusiones: el modelado B fue ergonómicamente adecuado, con criterios de usabilidad y evaluación centrada en las lactantes.

Individuos com transtornos do espectro do autismo (TEA) possuem desenvolvimento atipico nas areas cognitiva ou de aprendizagem, comunicacao e interacao social, deteccao e trato de emocoes, coordenacao motora e concentracao. O desenvolvimento de tecnologias assistivas e fundamental para melhorar a qualidade de vida destes individuos. Este estudo faz uma revisao sistematica da literatura com foco em jogos digitais usados como tecnologias assistivas para individuos com TEA. Fazendo uso da base digital IEEE Xplore, foram pesquisados estudos que continham o termo game em conjunto com termos relacionados ao TEA. A partir da busca foram encontradas 193 ocorrencias do conjunto de termos. Os artigos foram lidos e analisados, sendo selecionados os estudos que tratam de jogos digitais com foco em individuos com TEA. Foram excluidos da selecao jogos que fazem uso unicamente de hardwares especificos e que nao apresentam funcao de tecnologÃa assistiva. Como resultado final deste estudo foram selecionados 62 artigos neste contexto, sendo que todos apresentam resultados positivos quanto ao uso dos jogos digitais na melhoria das capacidades das pessoas com TEA. Desta forma, e possivel verificar a consistencia de tal abordagem, encorajando a continuidade das pesquisas e do desenvolvimento de jogos digitais com foco em tecnologÃa assistiva para pessoas com TEA.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have atypical development in the areas of cognition or learning, communication and social interaction, detection and treatment of emotions, motor coordination and concentration. The development of assistive technologies is critical because they help to better the quality of life of these individuals. This study makes a systematic review of the literature focusing on digital games used as assistive technologies for individuals with ASD. Using the IEEE Xplore digital base, studies were conducted that contained the term "game" in conjunction with terms related to ASD. From the search were found 193 occurrences of the set of terms were found. The articles were read and analyzed, being the studies that deal with digital games focused on individuals with ASD. Games that only use specific hardware and not have the function of assistive technology were excluded from the selection. As a final result of this study, 62 articles were selected in this context, all of which present positive results regarding the use of digital games in improving the abilities of people with ASD. In this way, it is possible to verify the consistency of such an approach, encouraging the continuity of research and the development of digital games with a focus on assistive technology for people with ASD.

Resumo Introdução: A reabilitação das pessoas que sofreram acidente vascular encefálico depende do empenho do paciente e das estratégias e tecnologias de reabilitação empregadas. Objetivo: Desenvolver uma maleta com atividades reabilitatórias por meio de dispositivos que proporcionem, de forma lúdica e motivadora, exercícios funcionais. Método: Identificou-se as principais funções motoras e sensoriais perdidas em decorrência do AVE e modelou-se pranchas de atividades contendo estrutura e estratégias adequadas à realização de exercícios reabilitatórios. Realizou-se um ensaio piloto com um indivíduo que sofreu AVE. Resultados: A maleta possui três pranchas envolvendo dispositivos para exercícios de propriocepção, coordenação motora, pinça fina e reeducação para diminuição da agnosia, para aumento de força muscular e para treino cognitivo. Conclusão: A maleta confeccionada cumpriu seu intuito de reeducação funcional pela ludicidade, proporcionando melhora na habilidade de encaixe de peças e diferenciação de cores bem como no aumento de força e no reconhecimento de formas e texturas.

Abstract Introduction: The rehabilitation of people who suffered a stroke depends on patient commitment, rehabilitation strategies and technologies employed. Objective: To develop a suitcase with rehabilitation activities using devices that provide functional exercises in a fun and motivating way. Method: The main motor and sensory functions lost due to the stroke were identified and a set of three boards was modeled, providing activities with adequate structure and strategies to conduct rehabilitation exercises. A pilot experiment was performed with a subject with poststroke sequelae. Results: The suitcase has three boards containing devices for exercises of proprioception, motor coordination, grasping and reeducation to decrease agnosia, to increase muscle strength and for cognitive training. Conclusion: The suitcase fulfilled its functional reeducation purpose via a playful method; it provides improvements in the ability to fit parts, differentiate colors, recognize shapes and textures, and increase the strength.

Resumen Introducción: La rehabilitación de las personas que han sufrido accidente cerebrovascular, depende del empeño del paciente y de las estrategias y tecnologías empleadas. Objetivo: Desarrollar una maleta con actividades de rehabilitación a través de dispositivos que proporcionen, de forma lúdica y motivadora, ejercicios funcionales. Método: Se identificaron las principales funciones motoras y sensoriales perdidas como consecuencia del accidente cerebrovascular, y se modelaron tableros de actividades con contenido, estructura y estrategias adecuadas a la realización de ejercicios de rehabilitación. Se realizó una prueba piloto con un individuo típico. Resultados: La maleta tiene tres tableros que involucran dispositivos para la propiocepción, coordinación motora, pinza fina y reeducación para disminuirla agnosia, aumentar la fuerza muscular y el entrenamiento cognitivo. Conclusión: La maleta confeccionada, cumplió su propósito de reeducación funcional de una manera lúdica, mejorando la habilidad de encaje de piezas y diferenciación de colores, así como el aumento de fuerza y el reconocimiento de formas y texturas.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze puerperal breast temperature using infrared thermography. Method: study performed at the Human Milk Bank of a Hospital in Curitiba, Brazil. A lactating mother with bilateral engorgement in the external breast quadrants was randomly selected and the temperature was measured. Results: A soft mammary lobe was found, with thermal asymmetry of 1.5ºC, compared to the contralateral region, however no thermal asymmetry was identified in the general temperature between the breasts. Conclusion: this case suggests that thermal asymmetry in the puerperal breast is related to the volume of milk in the lobes and not to dysfunctions or pathologies in these lobes. The study indicates possibilities for deepening the understanding of lactational physiology with the amplification of the sample group evaluated in this study. Thermography is a technique suitable for lactating mothers, however requires an appropriate room, time for acclimatization and knowledge of the mammary anatomy.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la temperatura de la mama puerperal utilizando termografía infrarroja. Método: Estudio realizado en Banco de Leche Humana de hospital de Curitiba en 2011. Se seleccionó aleatoriamente una lactante con ingurgitación bilateral en cuadrantes externos de las mamas, y se verificó la temperatura. Resultados: Se halló un lóbulo mamario blando con asimetría térmica de 1,5ºC comparado con la zona contralateral, no identificándose asimetría térmica en temperatura general entre mamas. Conclusión: Este caso sugiere que la asimetría térmica en la mama puerperal está relacionada con el volumen de leche en los lóbulos, y no con disfunciones o patologías en dichos lóbulos. El estudio ofrece perspectivas para profundizar la comprensión de la fisiología lactante, ampliando el grupo muestral evaluado en este estudio. La termografía es una técnica adecuada para las lactantes, aunque requiere de ámbito adecuado, tiempo de aclimatación y conocimiento de la anatomía mamaria.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a temperatura da mama puerperal utilizando termografia por infravermelho. Método: estudo realizado no Banco de Leite Humano de um Hospital de Curitiba em 2011. Selecionou-se aleatoriamente uma lactante com ingurgitamento bilateral nos quadrantes externos das mamas, e inspecionou-se a temperatura. Resultados: encontrou-se um lobo mamário macio com assimetria térmica de 1,5ºC, comparado à região contralateral, mas não se identificou assimetria térmica na temperatura geral entre as mamas. Conclusão: este caso sugere que assimetria térmica na mama puerperal está relacionada ao volume de leite nos lobos e não a disfunções ou patologias nesses lobos. O estudo abre perspectivas para aprofundamento da compreensão da fisiologia lactacional com a ampliação do grupo amostral avaliado nesta pesquisa. A termografia é uma técnica adequada às lactantes, mas requer sala apropriada, tempo para aclimatação e conhecimento da anatomia mamária.

Crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral e privados de comunicação efetiva podem também ter seu desenvolvimento intelectual dificultado. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o desenvolvimento intelectual de crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral e necessidades complexas de comunicação em uma escola especial no Brasil, baseado no uso de comunicação alternativa e ampliada (CAA). Quinze indivíduos com paralisia cerebral (idade média: 11a3m ± 2a9m) foram avaliados: 9 usavam CAA (seis meninos, 11a9m ± 3a4m) e seis não usavam (3 meninos, 10a6m ± 1a6m). As Matrizes Progressivas Coloridas de Raven - Escala Especial (CPM) foram usadas para a avaliação intelectual. Os que utilizavam a CAA obtiveram uma média de 25.89, os que não usavam 5.83 (p=0.012). Os resultados indicam que nesse coorte existe uma diferença significativa entre o desenvolvimento intelectual dos que usam CAA e dos que não a usam.

Children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and devoid of effective communication may also have their intellectual development impaired. The goal of this research was to assess the intellectual development of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and complex communication needs in a special school in Brazil based on their reliance on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Fifteen individuals with cerebral palsy (mean age: 11y3m ± 2y9m) were assessed: nine of them relied on AAC (6 males, 11y9m ± 3y4m) and six did not (3 males, 10y6m ± 1y6m). Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices - Special Scale (CPM) were used for the intellectual evaluation. Individuals who relied on AAC reached a mean of 25.89 those who did not 5.83 (p=0.012). There was a significant difference, in this cohort, between the intellectual development of those who used AAC and those who did not.

Abstract Introduction The expansion of assistive technologies has been increasing significantly, involving almost all the daily activities, performed by disabled people. One of the highlights to be mentioned is the robotic orthoses, which are being used to amplify movements, to replace amputated limbs, and for a variety of rehabilitation therapies, among others. This study aims to present a review about upper limbs’ orthoses, discussing their weaknesses, potentialities, and pointing out for future perspectives under the motor rehabilitation. Methods For this research, it had been identified 161 papers, based on the bibliographic bases from IEEE and Science Direct, which were filtered by the keywords orthoses, hand, upper-limbs and technology. After the appropriate exclusions, 22 papers were analyzed. Results This review indicates that most of the orthoses have been developed for rehabilitation therapies to be employed by people who have suffered stroke, cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury. This research summarized that the upper limbs movements are effectively produced by electric or pneumatic actuators, having a variety of degrees of freedom. Conclusion This review has shown that, although there are many orthoses styles, ranging from electric to pneumatic actuators; also there are some technical restrictions that prevent their use by most people. However, upper limb orthoses seem to be a great solution for the rehabilitation of people who have suffered a stroke.

Abstract Introduction: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a technique that has been successfully employed in rehabilitation treatment to mitigate problems after spinal cord injury (SCI). One of the most relevant modules in a typical FES system is the power or output amplifier stage, which is responsible for the application of voltage or current pulses of proper intensity to the biological tissue, applied noninvasively via electrodes, placed on the skin surface or inside the muscular tissue, closer to the nervous fibers. The goals of this paper are to describe and discuss about the main power output designs usually employed in transcutaneous functional electrical stimulators as well as safety precautions taken to protect patients. Methods A systematic review investigated the circuits of papers published in IEEE Xplore and ScienceDirect databases from 2000 to 2016. The query terms were “((FES or Functional electric stimulator) and (circuit or design))” with 274 papers retrieved from IEEE Xplore and 29 from ScienceDirect. After the application of exclusion criteria the amount of papers decreased to 9 and 2 from IEEE Xplore and ScienceDirect, respectively. One paper was inserted in the results as a technological contribution to the field. Therefore, 12 papers presented power stage circuits suitable to stimulate great muscles. Discussion The retrieved results presented relevant circuits with different electronic strategies and circuit components. Some of them considered patient safety strategies or aimed to preserve muscle homeostasis such as biphasic current application, which prevents charge accumulation in stimulated tissues as well as circuits that dealt with electrical impedance variation to keep the electrode-tissue interface within an electrochemical safe regime. The investigation revealed a predominance of design strategies using operational amplifiers in power circuits, current outputs, and safety methods to reduce risks of electrical hazards and discomfort to the individual submitted to FES application.

Abstract Introduction This study aims to assess the influence of different skinfold thicknesses (ST) and their relation to the attenuation of the mechanomyographic (MMG) signal at different force levels (maximal voluntary contraction – MVC, 40% of MVC and 70% of MVC) of the rectus femoris muscle. Methods Fifteen volunteers were divided in two groups: ST lower than 10mm (G<10) (8 participants) and ST higher than 35mm (G>35) (7 participants). Student t tests were employed to investigate differences between G<10 and G>35 regarding MMG analysis parameters (acceleration root mean square – aRMS, zero crossing – ZC, and median frequency – MDF), for the X, Y and Z axes, as well as for the modulus of these three axes. Results We found that thicker layers of body fat act as attenuator filters for the MMG signal [MDFMVC: X (p = 0.005), Z (p = 0.003); MDF70%MVC: X (p = 0.034); ZCMVC: Z (p = 0.037), modulus (p = 0.005); ZC70%MVC: Z (p = 0.047)]. We found significant correlation between ST values and aRMS in three levels, in the Yaxis (p = 0.591), for the group G<10. For the modulus, the aRMS value showed correlation with ST values for group G>35 in 40%MVC (R2 = 0.610), and 70%MVC (R2 = 0.592). The MDF parameter showed correlation with ST values only in the Yaxis in 70%MVC (R2 = 0.700) for G>35. Conclusions We observed MMG signal attenuation in at least one of the parameters analyzed for each level of the rectus femoris muscle force, indicating that MMG signals are significantly attenuated with increasing thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer.

Introduction: Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a technique used in the restoration and generation of movements performed by subjects with neuromuscular disorders such as spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this article is to outline the state of the art and perspectives of the use of FES in artificial motor control of the upper limbs in paretic or plegic people. Methods The databases used in papers selection were Google Scholar and Capes’ Portals as well as proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESS). Results Approximately 85% of the reviewed studies showed FES profile with pulse duration ranging from 1 to 300 μs and modulating (burst) frequency between 10 and 40 Hz. Regarding the type of electrodes, 88% of the studies employed transcutaneous electrodes. Conclusion We concluded that FES with closed-loop feedback and feedforward are the most used and most viable systems for upper limbs motor control, because they perform self-corrections slowing neuromuscular adaptation, allowing different planes and more range of movement and sensory-motor integration. One of the difficulties found in neuroprosthesis systems are electrical wires attached to the user, becoming uninteresting in relation to aesthetics and break. The future perspectives lead to a trend to miniaturization of the stimulation equipment and the availability of wireless networks, which allow the attachment of modules to other components without physical contact, and will become more attractive for daily use.

Abstract Introduction: Signal analysis involves time and/or frequency domains, and correlations are described in the literature for voluntary contractions. However, there are few studies about those correlations using mechanomyography (MMG) response during functional electrical stimulation (FES) elicited contractions in spinal cord injured subjects. This study aimed to determine the correlation between spectral and temporal MMG features during FES application to healthy (HV) and spinal cord injured volunteers (SCIV). Methods: Twenty volunteers participated in the research divided in two groups: HV (N=10) and SCIV (N=10). The protocol consisted of four FES profiles transcutaneously applied to quadriceps femoris muscle via femoral nerve. Each application produced a sustained knee extension greater than 65º up to 2 min without adjusting FES intensity. The investigation involved the correlation between MMG signal root mean square (RMS) and mean frequency (MF). Results: HV and SCIV indicated that MMGRMS and MMGMF variations were inversely related with -0.12 ≥ r ≥ -0.82. The dispersion between MMGMF and MMGRMS reached 0.50 ≤ r2 ≤ 0.64. Conclusion The increase in MMGRMS and the decrease in MMGMF may be explained by the motor units coherence during fatigue state or by motor neuron adaptation (habituation) along FES application (without modification on parameters).

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar evidências científicas das alterações na mama puerperal baseadas no exame clínico, na medição da dor por algometria de pressão e termografia. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, experimental, de abordagem qualiquantitativa, realizado com seis lactantes em um Banco de Leite Humano. Por meio de exame clínico, algometria de pressão e termografia, foram coletados dados das mamas em fase puerperal. Efetuou-se a análise descritiva das variáveis quantitativas expressas por médias, valores mínimos, máximos e desvios-padrão. Resultados: As mamas flácidas foram as mais frias com temperatura média de 32,7°C (DP±0,32386) e mais tolerantes à dor, com média de 1,87 kgf (DP±0,29558). Quanto maior a intensidade do ingurgitamento, maior foi a temperatura encontrada. A análise das imagens foram realizadas utilizando o software Therma CAM™ 2,9 (FLIR Systems, Inc). Conclusão: Os resultados indicam que, a partir do exame clínico, algometria de pressão e termografia infravermelha, foi possível delinear um padrão diferencial entre os vários eventos que acometem a mama no processo da lactação.

Abstract Objective: To obtain scientific evidence of alterations in puerperal breast based on clinical examinations and pain measurements using pressure algometry and thermography. Methods: This qualitative descriptive and experimental study examined six lactating women included in a Human Milk Bank. Using clinical examinations, pressure algometry, and thermography, data from puerperal mammary glands were collected. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative variables expressed as averages, minimal and maximal values, and standard deviations was conducted. Image analyses were performed using a ThermaCAM™ 2.9 (FLIR Systems, Inc.) software. Results: Flaccid mammary glands were the coldest, with an average temperature of 32.7°C (SD±0.32386°C), and more tolerant to pain, with an average of 1.87 kgf/m2 (SD ±0.29558 kgf/m2). The greater the degree of engorgement, the higher the temperature observed. Conclusion: The results indicate that it is possible to use clinical examinations, pressure algometry, and infrared thermography to delineate patterns between various events affecting the mammary glands during lactation.

Abstract Objective: To obtain scientific evidence of alterations in puerperal breast based on clinical examinations and pain measurements using pressure algometry and thermography. Methods: This qualitative descriptive and experimental study examined six lactating women included in a Human Milk Bank. Using clinical examinations, pressure algometry, and thermography, data from puerperal mammary glands were collected. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative variables expressed as averages, minimal and maximal values, and standard deviations was conducted. Image analyses were performed using a ThermaCAM™ 2.9 (FLIR Systems, Inc.) software. Results: Flaccid mammary glands were the coldest, with an average temperature of 32.7°C (SD±0.32386°C), and more tolerant to pain, with an average of 1.87 kgf/m2 (SD ±0.29558 kgf/m2). The greater the degree of engorgement, the higher the temperature observed. Conclusion: The results indicate that it is possible to use clinical examinations, pressure algometry, and infrared thermography to delineate patterns between various events affecting the mammary glands during lactation.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar evidências científicas das alterações na mama puerperal baseadas no exame clínico, na medição da dor por algometria de pressão e termografia. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, experimental, de abordagem qualiquantitativa, realizado com seis lactantes em um Banco de Leite Humano. Por meio de exame clínico, algometria de pressão e termografia, foram coletados dados das mamas em fase puerperal. Efetuou-se a análise descritiva das variáveis quantitativas expressas por médias, valores mínimos, máximos e desvios-padrão. Resultados: As mamas flácidas foram as mais frias com temperatura média de 32,7°C (DP±0,32386) e mais tolerantes à dor, com média de 1,87 kgf (DP±0,29558). Quanto maior a intensidade do ingurgitamento, maior foi a temperatura encontrada. A análise das imagens foram realizadas utilizando o software Therma CAM™ 2,9 (FLIR Systems, Inc). Conclusão: Os resultados indicam que, a partir do exame clínico, algometria de pressão e termografia infravermelha, foi possível delinear um padrão diferencial entre os vários eventos que acometem a mama no processo da lactação.

INTRODUCTION: The evaluation of muscular tissue condition can be accomplished with mechanomyography (MMG), a technique that registers intramuscular mechanical waves produced during a fiber's contraction and stretching that are sensed or interfaced on the skin surface. OBJECTIVE: Considering the scope of MMG measurements and recent advances involving the technique, the goal of this paper is to discuss mechanomyography updates and discuss its applications and potential future applications. METHODS: Forty-three MMG studies were published between the years of 1987 and 2013. RESULTS: MMG sensors are developed with different technologies such as condenser microphones, accelerometers, laser-based instruments, etc. Experimental protocols that are described in scientific publications typically investigated the condition of the vastus lateralis muscle and used sensors built with accelerometers, third and fourth order Butterworth filters, 5-100Hz frequency bandpass, signal analysis using Root Mean Square (RMS) (temporal), Median Frequency (MDF) and Mean Power Frequency (MPF) (spectral) features, with epochs of 1 s. CONCLUSION: Mechanomyographic responses obtained in isometric contractions differ from those observed during dynamic contractions in both passive and functional electrical stimulation evoked movements. In the near future, MMG features applied to biofeedback closed-loop systems will help people with disabilities, such as spinal cord injury or limb amputation because they may improve both neural and myoelectric prosthetic control. Muscular tissue assessment is a new application area enabled by MMG; it can be useful in evaluating the muscular tonus in anesthetic blockade or in pathologies such as myotonic dystrophy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and disorders including dysphagia, myalgia and spastic hypertonia. New research becomes necessary to improve the efficiency of MMG systems and increase their application in rehabilitation, clinical and other health areas.

Introdução A iontoforese é uma técnica não invasiva utilizada para aumentar, de forma controlada, a penetração transdermal de substâncias através das camadas da pele (epiderme, derme e hipoderme). O avanço tecnológico nas últimas décadas proporcionou uma redução no custo dos equipamentos necessários à sua aplicação, o que possibilitou a expansão dessa técnica. Objetivo Apresentar o estado da arte sobre iontoforese, abrangendo desde as características atômicas da formação do íon até as atuais aplicações da técnica. Métodos Foram pesquisados artigos das bases de pesquisa: IOP publishing, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, Springer, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar e livros com os unitermos: iontophoresis, ions, topical applications entre os anos de 1967 e 2010. Resultados Foram selecionados (número de artigos e base de pesquisa) 1 da IOP Publishing, 1 da ScienceDirect, 1 da Springer, 2 da PubMed, 11 da IEEE Xplore, 35 do Google Scholar e 15 livros, totalizando 66 referências, além de websites com produtos comerciais nacionais de eletroterapia. Conclusão A iontoforese é indicada para aplicações como de ácido acético (tendinite calcificante e miosite ossificante), cloreto de cálcio e sulfato de magnésio (controle de espasmos musculoesqueléticos), dexametasona (inflamação), lidocaína (inflamação de tecidos moles), óxido de zinco (artrite reumatóide). Também é utilizada em aplicações cosméticas com dispositivos aderidos à pele e em tratamento ocular visando tecidos específicos do olho, oferecendo uma forma de tratamento para diversas doenças oculares, diminuindo as complicações apresentadas em métodos clássicos de tratamento. As vantagens são o significativo aumento na liberação e controle de agentes terapêuticos, incluindo fármacos com alto peso molecular. As desvantagens encontradas na iontoforese são a complexidade do sistema de liberação do fármaco e exposição prolongada da pele a uma corrente elétrica.

Introduction Iontophoresis is a noninvasive technique used to increase transdermal penetration of substances through the skin layer (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) in a controlled manner. Technological advance in recent decades have provided reduced cost of equipment needed for implementation, which allowed for the expansion of this technique. Objective The aim of this paper is to present the state of the art on iontophoresis, ranging from the atomic characteristics of the ion formation to the current applications of the technique. Methods Were researched papers from databases: IOP publishing, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, Springer, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar and books with keywords iontophoresis, ions, topical applications between 1967 and 2010. Results Were selected (number of papers and database) 1 IOP Publishing, 1 from ScienceDirect, Central, 1 from Springer, 2 from PubMed, 11 from IEEE Xplore, 35 from Google Scholar, and 15 books, totaling 66 references and websites with nationally marketed electrotherapy products. Conclusion Iontophoresis is suitable for applications such as acetic acid (calcific tendinitis and myositis ossificans), calcium chloride and magnesium sulfate (control of musculoskeletal spasms), dexamethasone (inflammation), lidocaine (inflammation of soft tissues), zinc oxide (rheumatoid arthritis). It is also used in cosmetic applications with devices attached to the skin and for eye treatment aimed at specific tissues of the eye, providing a treatment option for various eye diseases, reducing the complications secondary to traditional methods of treatment. The advantages are the significant increase in the release and control of therapeutic agents, including drugs with high molecular weight. The disadvantages of iontophoresis are the complexity of the drug release system and prolonged exposure of the skin to an electrical current.