Background: Central and peripheral mechanisms may be involved in migraine and tension-type headache pathogenesis, however the role of muscle disorders in their pathophysiological mechanisms remains unclear. Objectives: To assess the association between the presence of migraine or tension-type headache and changes in longus colli muscle dimensions and sternocleidomastoid muscle activity. Method: An observational study with 48 women comparing the following groups: migraine (n=21), tension-type headache (n=16), and control (n=11). The cross-sectional area, lateral and anteroposterior dimensions, and shape ratio of the longus colli muscle were measured using ultrasound. The activation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was assessed by signal amplitude and the decline in median frequency using surface electromyographic analysis. Results: The dimensions of the longus colli muscle did not differ between groups (p>0.05). Post-test analysis showed lower sternocleidomastoid muscle activation on both sides, at the onset of contraction, in the group with tension-type headache when compared to the control group {right sternocleidomastoid [tension-type headache: 0.39 (0.30-0.49); control: 0.58 (0.42-0.76); p=0.026] and left sternocleidomastoid [tension-type headache: 0.39 (0.31-0.48); control: 0.60 (0.42-0.79); p=0.039], Tukey's post hoc test}. There was no difference between the three groups in sternocleidomastoid muscle activation, on both sides, at the end of contraction (p>0.05). Intergroup analysis showed no difference in the rate of decline in median frequency (p>0.05). Conclusion: The group with tension-type headache exhibited less activation at the onset of sternocleidomastoid muscle contraction. No association was observed between the presence of headache and alterations in longus colli muscle dimensions, median frequency, and sternocleidomastoid muscle activation at the end of contraction.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A Unidade de Biofeedback Pressórico (UBP) é uma ferramenta de avaliação usada na prática clínica e pesquisa científica para analisar indiretamente a atividade muscular do transverso abdominal (TrA). A validade concorrente da UBP em uma amostra clinicamente relevante ainda não está esclarecida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a validade concorrente e acurácia diagnóstica da UBP em mensurar a atividade muscular do TrA em pacientes com dor lombar crônica inespecífica. MÉTODO: Este estudo foi realizado usando um delineamento de validação. Cinquenta pacientes com dor lombar crônica inespecífica foram recrutados. Para testar a validade concorrente, ambas as medidas pressóricas (teste índice) e eletromiográficas superficiais (teste padrão de referência) foram comparadas e coletadas por um fisioterapeuta a partir de uma manobra de contração voluntária do músculo TrA. RESULTADOS: Os participantes tinham em média 22 anos, 63,7 kg, 1,70 m de altura, e a duração média de dor lombar era de 1,9 ano. Observou-se um coeficiente Phi fraco e não significativo (r=0,2; p<0,20). Com relação aos testes de acurácia diagnóstica, os resultados sugerem uma baixa sensibilidade (60%) e especificidade (60%) da UBP. O valor preditivo positivo foi elevado (0,8), e o valor preditivo negativo foi baixo (0,2). Conclusões: A validade concorrente da UBP em mensurar a atividade muscular do TrA em pacientes com dor lombar crônica inespecífica é pobre, considerando a baixa correlação e acurácia diagnóstica com a EMG de superfície.

BACKGROUND: The Pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) is an assessment tool used in clinical practice and research aimed to indirectly analyze the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle activity. The concurrent validity of the PBU in a clinically relevant sample is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concurrent validity and diagnostic accuracy of the PBU in measuring TrA muscle activity in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. METHOD: This study was performed using a validation, cross-sectional design. Fifty patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain were recruited for this study. To test the concurrent validity both PBU measures (index test) and superficial electromyographic measures (reference-standard test) were compared and collected by a physical therapist in a series of voluntary contraction maneuvers of TrA muscle. RESULTS: Participants were on average 22 years old, weighed 63.7 kilos, 1.70 meters height and mean low back pain duration was 1.9 years. It was observed a weak and non-significant Phi coefficient (r=0.2, p<0.20). With regards to diagnostic accuracy tests, our results suggest a low sensitivity (60%) and specificity (60%) of the PBU. The positive predictive value was high (0.8) and negative predictive value was low (0.2). Conclusions: Concurrent validity of the PBU in measuring TrA muscle activity in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain is poor given the low correlation and diagnostic accuracy with superficial EMG.

OBJETIVOS: Este estudo teve por objetivos investigar a ocorrência de atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor em uma comunidade assistida pelo Programa de Saúde da Família (PSF) e verificar a sua associação com possíveis fatores de risco biológicos, ambientais e socioeconômicos. MÉTODOS: A amostra constou de 31 crianças, com 5 anos de idade, que foram avaliadas por meio do exame neurológico evolutivo (ENE) segundo roteiro proposto por Coelho (1999)*. O local do estudo foi o PSF do bairro de Brasilit, na Cidade de Recife, PE, Brasil, e os dados foram coletados mediante questionário contendo informações sobre a criança, sua mãe ou responsável, a situação socioeconômica da família e o domicílio. Para análise estatística dos resultados, utilizou-se o Qui-quadradode associação de Fisher, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A coordenação apendicular foi o parâmetro que apresentou a maior frequência de déficit (90%), e o equilíbrio estático foi o item menos comprometido (12,9%). A frequência de déficit no equilíbrio estático foi mais elevada nas crianças que não participaram de creche (p=0,0163) e naquelas que passavam menor tempo com a mãe (p=0,0278). O déficit na persistência motora esteve estatisticamente associado à idade de início na creche (p=0,0415) e ao tempo pai-filho (p=0,0436). CONCLUSÕES: O PSF, além de se constituir num espaço valioso para o desenvolvimento de trabalhos desta natureza, demonstrou ser local adequado para o acompanhamento do desenvolvimento infantil.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the occurrence of delayed neuropsychological and motor development in a community assisted through the Family Health Program and to evaluate its association with possible biological, environmental and socioeconomic risk factors. METHODS: The sample consisted of 31 five-year-old children who were evaluated using the Neurological Development Test, following guidelines proposed by Coelho (1999)*. The study was carried out at the Family Health Program (FHP) center in the Brasilit area of Recife, PE, Brazil. Data were collected using a questionnaire that sought information on the child, its mother/guardian, the family's socioeconomic status and residence. Fisher's exact test was used for the statistical analysis of the results, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Appendicular coordination was the parameter with the highest frequency of deficits (90%) and static balance was the item least compromised (12.9%). The frequency of static balance deficits was higher among children who did not attend day care centers (p=0.0163) and among those who spent less time with their mother (p=0.0278). Motor persistence deficits were statistically associated with age of entry into day care (p=0.0415) and father-child time (p=0.0436). CONCLUSIONS: The FHP was not only a valuable setting for developing studies of this nature but also an appropriate setting for child development follow-up.