Technology background
Biomechanics is a science that combines the field of Mechanical Engineering with the fields of Biology and Physiology., using principles of mechanics for the design, modeling, development and analysis of equipment and systems in Biology and Medicine. The evaluation of the cheeks involves morphological aspects, posture, tonicity and function. The assessment of tone or strength is performed in a perceptual way and depends on the experience of the assessor. Muscle testing is done to determine the ability of the muscle or muscle groups to function in motion and their ability to provide stability and support.. Provides useful information for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders.
Technology description
The present invention quantitatively evaluates cheek muscle performance, using a transducer for force measurement and allowing recording on graphics devices, analogue indicators, A/D converters or other indicating instrument, registration or data processing.
Problem Fixed
The technology innovates as it is the only one in which the assessment of cheek strength preserves the speech therapist's perceptual evaluative gesture, ideally complementing the evaluation process. Furthermore, highlights the use of a specific device to measure strength during isometric muscle contraction. Another relevant point is the presence of an indicator consisting of a light source for the location of the mouthpiece, which allows for fidelity in the reproducibility of the exam performance..
Applications
The device for evaluating cheek strength aims to meet the demand of professionals in the field of Speech Therapy, dentistry and facial aesthetics as the strength of the cheeks contributes to mastication functions, Deglutition, Tooth positioning and facial tone.
Advantages
The main advantage of this invention is the use of a specific device to measure force during isometric muscle contraction.. Another advantage of the invention is the presence of an indicator represented by a light source for the location of the mouthpiece, which enables fidelity in the reproducibility of the examination performance.. It is also noteworthy that knowledge of the force values provided by the device will allow the speech therapist to perform a more reliable orofacial myofunctional assessment., as well as outline specific therapy plans for each situation.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL – Technology Readiness Level)
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Status and opportunity
Patent granted by INPI under application number BR 10 2012 032932-8.
The patent can be found in full at Lume by link.
Inventors
Charles Albert Kern Thomas
Monalise Costa Batista Berbert
Rogerio Jose Marckzak
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