Efeitos da imagética motora associada á terapia miofuncional orofacial em pacientes acometidos com trauma de face: estudo piloto

Abstract

Introduction: Motor Imagery (MI) is defined as a dynamic state that occurs when the execution of a specific motor action is activated within a working memory, coordinated by the central motor control, without any response. This strategy has been widely discussed among clinicians and researchers as an important ally to conventional treatment for motor rehabilitation in different areas of the body. For the orofacial region, orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) stands out as an important therapeutic modality. It is known that individuals affected by facial trauma may have motor and functional limitations, and therefore benefit from OMT. In this sense, to optimize therapeutic results, this research aims to verify whether motor imagery (MI) associated with orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) contributes to the rehabilitation of mandibular movements and mastication in patients with facial trauma. Methodology: This is a pilot study of a randomized clinical trial, composed of individuals who were affected by facial trauma and referred for speech therapy rehabilitation. The sample consisted of four patients with maxillomandibular fractures, randomized and divided into two groups, G1 (experimental) and G2 (control). Initially, both groups were evaluated with the OMES protocol. Next, the G1 group received OMT associated with MI, but beforehand, the participants answered the motor imagination questionnaire (MIQ-R) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). G2 received only BMT. The treatments were carried out in four sessions. Then, the measurement of mandibular movements was performed before and after the OMT. After the proposed sessions, the OMES protocol was applied again, for reassessment and collection of the results obtained with the therapeutic program. Results: From the comparative observations between the groups, the evaluation and reassessment carried out, it was possible to verify that G1 (experimental) presented more satisfactory results in most aspects involving orofacial myofunctional conditions, with little difference in the item posture and position. It was verified that in G1 the score value of the measures of mouth opening, right and left laterality and protrusion increased considerably and with good results showing evolution at each session, while the control group increased their values more slowly. Conclusion: According to the methodology adopted, the motor imagery associated with OMT showed better results in mastication, especially in the laterality of the food and in the bilateral and alternating pattern, as well as in the mandibular movements of opening, laterality D and L and protrusive in relation to the group that just received the BMT. However, the "n" is insufficient to effectively affirm its contribution when compared with the application of OMT alone.