ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the muscular activity of the adductor pollicis muscle, by electromyography, when using a device made of acrylic resin adapted to the handle of toothbrush. 10 patients of both sexes from the Clinic of Removable Partial Dentures of the Dental School--USP, with a mean age of 65 years, were selected. Electromyographic records were obtained with patients in clinical conditions of Initial Rest and under conditions of claw apprehension and dental brushing. The mean results obtained, in mV, were: sat men: 2.97 for rest (R); 11.55 for free closure (FC); 35.80 for strained closure (SC); 29.30 for simulated brushing (SB); 55.00 for brushing (B); 26.87 for simulated brushing with the device (SBA); 69.70 for brushing with the device (BA); 3.72 for post exercise rest (PR). Standing: 2.27 for rest (R); 13.92 for free closure (FC); 45.85 for strained closure (SC); 28.40 for simulated brushing (SB); 72.07 for brushing with the device (BA); 1.42 for postexercise rest (PR). Sat women: 9.78 for rest (R); 22.71 for free closure (FC); 41.48 for strained closure (SC); 26.45 for simulated brushing (SB); 52.78 for brushing (B); 17.00 for simulated brushing with the adapter (SBA); 42.38 for brushing with the adapter (BA); 14.40 for postexercise rest (PR). Standing: 5.26 for rest (R); 17.81 for free closure (FC); 46.55 for strained closure (SC); 40.61 for simulated brushing (SB); 61.71 for brushing (B); 26.08 for simulated brushing with the adapter (SBA); 54.06 for brushing with the adapter (BA); 3.46 for postexercise rest (PR). The adductor pollicis muscle showed a higher electromyographic activity, considered statistically similar to each other, in 3 clinical conditions analyzed: brushing (B), brushing with the adapter (BA) and strained closure (SC). The adductor pollicis muscle showed lower electromyographic activity, considered statistically similar, in 5 clinical conditions analyzed: simulated brushing (SB), simulated brushing with the adapter (SBA), free closure (FC), rest (R) and postexercise rest (PR).
