Evaluation of sensory-motor response after treatment with photobiomulation in patients with myelomeningocele

• Grant number: 19/12463-1
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2019
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal researcher: Sandra Kalil Bussadori
• Grantee: Juliana Roque de Queiroz
• Home Institution: Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE). Campus Vergueiro. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Myelomeningocele is a defect in the neural tube, which occurs between the third and fourth week of gestation. The functional impairment occurs due to dysplasia of nerve roots, which can lead to flaccid paralysis, sensory and motor dysfunction below the level of injury, and urinary and fecal incontinence. The prognosis for these patients depends on factors such as level of the lesion. Although advances in the multidisciplinary treatment of children with MMC have led to functional improvements, new therapeutic modalities such as photobiomodulation may be promising to complement the treatment of myelomeningocele. To evaluate the efficacy of FBM associated with physical therapy exercises in the sensory-motor response of individuals with low back and sacral myelomingocele. The participants will be recruited from the outpatient health integrated UNINOVE and randomized into two groups: Group (1) Treatment with photobiomodulation with a wavelength 808 nm and physiotherapy group (2) of Placebo photobiomodulation and physiotherapy. They will be evaluated through electromyography, in the muscles, gastrocnemius, anterior tibial, rectus femoris (RF) in both lower limbs. Sensory evaluation will be performed with the Semmes-Weinstein kit (Smiles®). Data will be tabulated and processed in GraphPad PRISM software version 7.0. Values will be tested for their normality by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and expressed as mean and standard deviation if they assume the Gaussian curve. For the comparison between groups, a T-test will be performed, considering a level of significance of 0.5% (p <0.05).