Medical Gymnastics Research Articles

The outbreak of new diseases in an era of religious and spiritual crisis:

The paper examines how the humanist physician and later professor of medicine at the great Universities of Italy, Girolamo Mercuriale of Forlì (1530-1606), addressed the issue of new diseases in medical as well as religious-social terms in his medical book De arte gymnastica (Venice, 1569), while he served as the personal physician of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (1520-1589). Mercuriale's medical gymnastics, as a medical method for the treatment of new diseases, stands out as paradigmatic, on the one hand, of the scientific-medical culture of mid-sixteenth century Rome and, on the other hand, the political-religious strategies of the Catholic Church regarding the control of body culture in the context of the Counter-Reformation.

The Efficiency of Physiotherapy Means on Acute Hyperalgic Shoulder Patients

The main objective of the study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the physiotherapy means for patients with acute hyperalgic shoulders. The research methods were established according to the objectives of the research, as follows: the study of the professionalliterature method, the testing method, the statistical-mathematical method and the graphical representation method. From the analysis of the data obtained, we found that by the specific means of physiotherapy, it is possible to get rid of pain, so that the patient with acute hyperalgic shoulder is able to sustain a medical gymnastics program in order for a fast recovery of the scapulo-humeral mobility. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that the application of the means, methods, procedures and techniques of physiotherapy ensures the optimization of the recovery results.

PHYSICAL THERAPY OF PATIENTS WITH POST-TRAUMATIC GONARTHROSIS WITH IMBALANCE OF OSTEO-ASSOCIATED MACRONUTRIENTS

According to modern concepts, bone remodeling disorders that are directly dependent on the imbalanceof osteo-associated trace elements play a key role in the pathogenesis of OA. Therefore, the purpose of ourstudy is to develop the program of physical rehabilitation of patients with post-traumatic gonarthrosisand to investigate its effect on the composition of osteoassociated macronutrients.To determine the metabolic function of bone tissue there were the results of the study of mineralhomeostasis by the level in the peripheral blood of phosphorus and magnesium, total calcium and itsionized form, as well as the amount of urinary calcium excretion. The processes of bone formation wereevaluated by the content of bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase, bone resorption was evaluated bythe level of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. 42 patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the kneejoints of I–II stages according to Kellgren-Lowrence were observed.The complex of physical therapy included the educational program, medical gymnastics and massage.The theoretical part of the program included 6 topics covering the main issues related to the risk factorsand prognosis for the disease, the main mechanisms of its progression, as well as the basics of differentphysical therapy use. The practical part of the program was carried out in a small-group way and includedthe gradual application of static, dynamic, active and proprioceptive neuromuscular stretching usingthe exercises with elastic bands and metered loading. As for the massage technology a combinationof segmental massage with Swedish technique was used in the program. The total duration of the complexprogram was 9 months, after which patients were advised to perform independent classes. The applicationof the developed program of physical rehabilitation had a positive effect on the processes of boneremodeling, and allowed to reduce the number of exacerbations during the year.

Historical Sources on Epilepsy Surgery: From Antiquity Through the End 20th Century

The history of epilepsy is an associate of humanity, and the reports date back to antiquity. Almost all ancient cultures, including the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Indians in pre-Buddhist period, Iranians, Chinese, and Byzantine epoch, bear witness to epilepsy. Therefore, the earliest beginnings of surgical treatment and epilepsy surgery can be traced back to antiquity. Trepanation as an attempt to treat the disease has often been found in prehistorical tombs (Neolithicum). In antiquity, fasting, a healthy diet, regulation of excretions, medical gymnastics and a decent lifestyle were used as treatment for epilepsy as a non-surgical solution. In the Middle Ages, the basis for treatment fell into three main categories: Conventional (diet and botanical remedies), magical (phases of the moon, trephining of the skull) and religious beliefs (fasting, prayer, exorcisms, and social marginalization). The first neurosurgical operations on epileptic patients with focal semiology were performed during the early 19th century, and began with Godlee, Sommer, Macewen and later Horsley. From that time on, discoveries on epilepsy surgery progressed at a faster pace that started in a historical journey from ancient times until the end of the 20th century.

Correction of carbohydrate metabolism by means of physical therapy of patients with metabolic syndrome

Purpose: to investigate the characteristics of carbohydrate metabolism indicators in patients with metabolic syndrome before the beginning of rehabilitation effects as well as to trace the dynamics of indicators in the process of application of our physical therapy comprehensive program. Material and methods. The survey involved 70 women with metabolic syndrome, who were divided into the main (MG) (35 women) and control (CG) (35 women) groups with the average age in the MG 31.49±0.71-year-olds, in the CG – 31,06±0,57 -year-old. In the main group, a physical therapy program was applied for patients with metabolic syndrome, which includes a hypo caloric diet with a hypolipidemic focus; therapeutic massage according to the method of P.B. Efimenko for patients alimentary-constitutional obesity; medical gymnastics using elements of sports-oriented aerobics and special physical exercises based on Pilates gymnastics using fitballs and expanders; morning hygienic gymnastics; limited walking in combination with breathing exercises, taking into account the activity of the autonomic nervous system. Result. As a result of a comprehensive and developed physical therapy program that was justified and applied for 4 months for patients with metabolic syndrome, the studied carbohydrate metabolism parameters changed significantly. Main group women showed significantly improved indicators of glycemia on empty stomach: from 8,85±1,54 to 5,98±0,81mmol / l, glycemia after eating: from 11,47±1,85 to 7,68±0,86mmol / l and reached the target levels of diabetes compensation and diagnostic criteria for the metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: physical exercises contribute to the improvement and normalization of carbohydrate metabolism. They restore adaptation to physical exertion and normalize the function of the cardiovascular system, motor activity and psychoemotional state as well.

The emergence of physiotherapy in Germany from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries: A “female profession” concerned with movement in the health care arena

ABSTRACT Background: The history of physiotherapy in Germany dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, when German physicians discovered Swedish medical gymnastics as a therapeutic treatment modality. From the early 20th century onwards, physiotherapy slowly began to establish itself as a field of activity specifically for women of the middle classes who provided assistive services to medical doctors.Method: Extensive overview of published and unpublished research on the history of German physiotherapy as well as select primary sources from the 19th and 20th centuries. Additionally reference is made to historical research regarding the emergence of the physical culture and life reform movements, as well as on gender research regarding upper and middle class female employment opportunities in the social and health care sector.Findings: This study outlines the two leitmotifs of physiotherapy’s incorporation into the medical sector (i.e. medicalisation) and its (self-)image as a “female profession” (i.e. feminisation) as two intertwined historical phenomena shaping the critical period when physiotherapy assumed its role as a health profession in Germany. These developments from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries resulted in the emergence of a “female profession” with a distinct focus on the role of movement as a treatment modality.Discussion: Critical engagement with a handed down professional self-image is needed. On the basis of my historiographical overview, I suggest a future research agenda which would result in a more appropriate understanding of early physiotherapists in Germany as historical agents.

Boundary work: the Mensendieck system and physiotherapy education in Norway

ABSTRACT The history of physiotherapy can be seen as a history of boundary conflict, as the profession sought to first establish, then maintain, its distinctive professional identity. Traditional approaches to the sociology of the professions support this, seeing professionalization as an ongoing process of enclosure, encroachment, and conflict. Recent work, however, has emphasized the fluidity and collaborative nature of professionalization projects, and placed more emphasis on inter-professional negotiations and disciplinary coexistence. In this paper, we draw on this work to analyze the harmonization of the independent Mensendieck System of medical gymnastics in Norway, and the emerging state-sponsored physiotherapy system. Our contention is that over the course of the middle decades of the 20th century, advocates of the Mensendieck System and providers of orthodox, biomedically informed physiotherapy, came together and found a way to work collaboratively in a shared space without compromising their distinctive professional identities. We argue that this approach both points to ways we might revisit traditional conflict-based analyses of the history of physiotherapy, while also suggesting new ways of imagining how the profession might change in the years to come.

MOTIVATIONAL ASPECTS REGARDING PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES OF STUDENTS WITH PARTIAL MEDICAL EXEMPTION

The purpose of this study was to investigate aspects related to the knowledge of the beneficial effects of practicing physical exercise on certain types of disorders, as well as the level of motivation of subjects to engage in their practice. The study was based on a 7-item questionnaire including the following: 1. Moment of diagnosis of the condition; 2. Doctor’s approval for physical activity; 3. Recommended physical activities; 4. Personal motivation for attending physical education classes; 5. Awareness of health benefits; 6. Level of motivation. 7. Awareness of psycho-social benefits. The study was conducted on a sample of 29 first- and second-year students from the three faculties of the “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, who were medically exempt from physical education classes. Analysing their responses, we have concluded that: most students involved in the study (86%) have partial medical exemption and the doctors’ recommendation for individual and/or group physical activities such as trips, hiking, swimming, medical gymnastics, aerobics; there is a need to design special exercises and exercise structures for students with partial medical exemption, which can be performed in group during the physical education lesson. This is important for including this category of students in regular physical activity throughout the academic year, which would lead them to an active lifestyle; there is also awareness and motivation for involvement in group sports activities, during which socialisation and self-knowledge are obtained spontaneously.

The Contributions of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy to the Improvement of the Quality of Life in Patients with Scapulohumeral Periarthritis

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate to what extent shock wave therapy (ESWT) can influence the quality of life of patients with scapular-humeral periarthritis (PSH). The study included 30 male and female PSH sufferers who had previously undergone various therapies without any success in disease progression. The VAS scale, the Roles-Maudsley score, and the Flanagan Life Quality Scale with seven points on the rating scale recommended by Andrews and Crandall were used to evaluate patient evolution. ESWT sessions were held on a seven-day session for 12 weeks. Between ESWT meetings each patient followed a home medical gymnastics program. Following the study, ESWT treatment had a good effect on the progression of PSH patients in terms of pain reduction and disappearance, as well as regaining mobility of the affected shoulder. The conclusion of this studio is that shock wave therapy can help improve the quality of life of PSH patients.

The effect of a combination of laser therapy and handling of medical gymnastics on the indices of hemodynamics with dilated cardiomyopathy

The aim of the study: Combined use of kineso- and laser therapy to correct regional hemodynamic disorders in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP). Material and methods: The study included 100 patients diagnosed with DCMP. The diagnosis "DCMP" was established for patients with dilatation of the heart cavity of non-coronatural origin, increased heart size (final diastolic size of the left ventricle - LV CDR > 6.0 cm). The determination of the CHF FC was made according to the Russian National Recommendations of the RSCS (2018) and OSSN on the diagnosis and treatment of CHF. All patients took differentiated medication-assisted therapy according to indications during 3 months. Patients were divided into 2 comparable groups by sex, age, disease course, severity of the condition, and specifics of medication therapy. Patients of the 1st group were treated with intravenous laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) and selection of unloading therapeutic gymnastics against the background of supporting differentiated medication therapy. Patients of the 2nd group (control) received only differentiated medication therapy. The main method of investigation was venous occlusal plethysmography to evaluate regional hemodynamics with the determination of blood flow (Qr) and regional vascular resistance (Rr) at rest, venous tone (Vt), reserve blood flow (QH) and regional vascular resistance (RH) on the background of a functional load test. РResults: The data obtained during the dynamic observation (in 1, 3, 6 and 12 months) in the main group showed a reliable increase in the volume velocity of the blood flow at rest (Qr) and the reserve blood flow (QH), a decrease in the regional vascular resistance at rest (Rr) and under functional load (RH), venous tone (Vt), respectively. In the control group there was no reliable positive dynamics, after 12 months of observation indicators of regional hemodynamics significantly deteriorated. Conclusion: In patients with DCMP, according to venous occlusal plethysmography, the use of relieving therapeutic gymnastics in combination with ILIB on the background of medication therapy has significantly improved the indices of regional hemodynamics. The developed method of non-drug therapy can be used by cardiologists, general practitioners, therapists, doctors of physical and rehabilitation medicine to optimize treatment of patients with DCMP.

Dr Avram Farkic (1866-1925), the founder and the owner of the first physical therapy institute in Serbia

Methods of physical medicine, many of which have been empirically applied since the ancient times, have become particularly popular in 19th century Europe. The first examples of the works of Serbian doctors in this area originate from the same period. In 1838 and 1839, Dr. Konstantin Peicic wrote about Prissnitz?s method of hydrotherapy. In 1842, Dr. Dimitrije Radulovic published in Latin his doctoral dissertation concerning medical gymnastics. In the middle of the 19th century, in the Principality of Serbia, hydrotherapy treatments (by Dr. Andrija Ivanovic, 1850) and electrotherapy (by Dr. Jovan Valenta, 1857) w?re applied. Among the pioneers of physical medicine in Serbia, Dr Avram Farkic is a very important figure. In 1896, Farkic founded the first Serbian institute for physiotherapy in Belgrade, and, two years later, the First Institute for Orthopedics, Swedish Gymnastics and Massage. These institutions were merged in 1899. After the death of Dr. Farkic in 1925, the Institute worked under his name until the German bombing of Belgrade on April 6, 1941. The diversity and continuous introduction of modern therapeutic procedures were the main characteristics of the Institute during its 45-year-long existence. Dr. Farkic was also the initiator of the establishment of the Therapy Joint Stock Company, which founded the first institute for physical medicine in Vrnjacka Banja, the Therapy Institute for Treatment by Water and Electricity, in 1911. Until the First World War, it was the most modern spa sanatorium in Serbia. During spa seasons of 1911, 1912, 1913, and 1924, Dr. Farkic himself was the manager and the main physician of the Therapy Institute.

Prof. Eugeniusz Piasecki’s Contribution to the Development of Polish Physiotherapy

Based on source materials, this article presents the activity of Prof. Eugeniusz Piasecki towards the development of physiotherapy in Poland. After completing his studies at the Faculty of Medicine of Jagiellonian University and a pedagogical course in physical education for gymnastics teachers at secondary schools and teacher training centres, he went to Vienna to deepen his knowledge of medical gymnastics and hydrotherapy. During a scientific trip to Sweden, he became acquainted with Pehr Henrique Ling's method. In the years 1900-1916, E. Piasecki ran a healing gymnastics, orthopaedics and massage facility in Lviv. He was also active in the "Sokol" Gymnastic Society and worked in the gymnasiums owned by his father Wenanty Piasecki in Cracow and Zakopane. At the University of Lviv he taught school hygiene, theory of physical education as well as conducting research and teaching in the physiology of exercise. There he also obtained his habilitation in 1909. His overarching objective was to eliminate German gymnastics, which he considered harmful, from schools in Galicia. Instead, he advocated Swedish gymnastics, based on scientific evidence and anatomo-physiological analysis of each movement. His research focused, among others, on the effect of various physical exercises on the cardio-respiratory and osteo-articular systems in children. The results of E. Piasecki's studies were the basis for a critical evalu-ation of the irrational strength exercises of German gymnastics. He endeavoured to promote physical education as much as possible, adapting it to the specific needs of schools, hospitals and spas. As head of the Department of Theory of Physical Education and School Hygiene (since 1919) and then the Institute of Physical Education (since 1924) at Poznan University, together with Prof. Ireneusz Wierzejewski, Dr Wiktor Dega,Ph.D., and Dr Franciszek Raszej, Ph.D., he laid the foundations of rehabilitation in Poland. Thanks to him, the Poznan centre carried out research in medical gymnastics and massage, preparing specialists in the area of corrective exercises and, later, physiotherapy in Poland.

Gymnastics as a Remedy: A Study of Nineteenth-Century Swedish Medical Gymnastics

This paper examined a form of 19th century globally spread physiotherapy known as Swedish medical gymnastics. The goal of the research was to determine the aim of medical gymnastics, its elements a ...

РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЯ ХВОРИХ ІЗ ОСТЕОХОНДРОЗОМ ХРЕБТА

Вступ Надання кваліфікованої допомоги Хворов при наявності у них неврологічніх проявів вертебрального остеохондрозу (ВО) є однією з остаточно НЕ вірішеніх, найбільш складних та багатоплановіх проблем сучасної науки, а отже, важлівім завдання сучасної медичної РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ.Мета дослідження : Візначіті ефективність впліву ЗАСОБІВ фізичної РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ комплексного! Застосування удосконалення методик лікувального масажу комплексу лікувальної гімнастікі статико-дінамічніх вправо та вправо на дошці Євмінова на Хворов з остеохондрозом шийно-грудного відділу хребта.Матеріали и методи Обстежено 50 пацієнтів ВІКОМ від 25 до 55 років, Які проходили обстеження и лікування в університетській лікарні.Хворі розподілені на 2 групи: контрольну та експериментальну. Во время дослідження Використано різноманітні методи дослідження стану опорно-рухової системи - ортопедичне и неврологічне обстеження, что включало як суб'єктивні методи дослідження (Скарги, анамнез), так и об'єктивні методи дослідження (огляд, пальпаторно обстеження, діагностика зон шкірної гіперестезії, тригерних зон та функціональніх блокад хребтових-рухового сегментів).Результати ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ та їх Обговорення. В обох групах у залежності від віку, характеру, локалізації и стадії захворювання, інтенсівності больового синдрому, актівності процесса, симптоматики, супутніх захворювань Хворі пройшли курс фізичної РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ. А в експеріментальній групі, разом з комплексом лікувальної гімнастікі статико-дінамічніх вправо, як и в основній групі, додатково застосовувалісь лікувальний масаж, вправі на дошці Євмінова.Висновки . Аналіз безпосередніх результатів лікування довів, что комплексна система виявило більш ефективного у знікненні або зменшенні больового та міотонічного сіндромів, поліпшенні функціонального стану хребта, стану психо-емоційної сфери, підвіщенні якості життя пацієнтів.

НАЦІОНАЛЬНІ ВПЛИВИ НА ФОРМУВАННЯ КОНЦЕПЦІЙ ФІЗКУЛЬТУРНОЇ ОСВІТИ У МОДЕРНУ ДОБУ (ХVІІІ СТ. – ПЕРША ПОЛОВИНА ХХ СТ.)

The article describes national influences on the formation of physical education concepts in Europe in the period of modern (late 18th – early 20th century.) The author presents the beginnings of modern physical education in Germany, Sweden, Denmark and the United Kingdom and systematizes innovative ideas in the development of physical education concepts in Europe. The influence of German and Swedish gymnastics, as well as British games and sports in European countries are demonstrated. The author states that the following educational innovations were proposed by German educators: the need to combine various forms of physical activity: physical exercises, games, military training, manual work and educational excursions (J. Bazedow); the association of pan-European models of physical culture with natural physical exercises known at that time (F. Guth-Muts); the introduction of gymnastics in the school curriculum as a necessary and indispensable part of education and education of men, providing physical culture with equal to other subjects rights, introducing special requirements for physical training teachers, taking into account age and sex in physical training (A. Spisss); integration of sports games into a school curriculum (K. Koch); the formation of German mass gymnastics as a means of uniting the nation, the introduction of special clothing for classes, the involvement of young people in the role of instructors, the observance of safety during physical education, awareness of the formation of the spirit of the nation by means of physical education and sports (F. Jan). As a result of the formation of Swedish gymnastics for educational, military and medical trends, it was discovered that its innovative ideas greatly influenced the European physical education concepts, in particular: recognition of the important role of gymnastics to increase the strength of people and better ability to resist, theoretical development of the foundations of medical gymnastics, the training system based on simple movements without special equipment, introduction of gymnastics in schools for girls, awareness of the need to provide gymnasts and a physiological basis for balancing the various organs of the body in order to provide strength and health (G. Ling). It is noted that Denmark was the first European country to introduce compulsory physical training in schools and provided comprehensive training for teachers on the theory and methodology of gymnastics. It was emphasized that Great Britain played an important role in the formation of the game movement and university physical education.

Thermae 4.0 and rehabilitation: a new business opportunity for thermal companies

In recent years we’ve seen everywhere, and especially in Italy, a crisis of the classical spa model. Especially in our country the thermal plants that have not been able to renew themselves have undergone a decline in the number of services provided and a lack of turnover for generations of visitors. A possible strategy to solve this problem involves the reconversion of some departments in rehabilitation centers specialized in thermal water therapy. This allows to combine the benefits of thermal water to the new protocols of medical gymnastics making the rehabilitation center unique. Fisiokine proposes itself as a partner for the planning, realization and training for those entrepreneurs who want to undertake this path and will present a case report of the experience in progress at the Terme Stufe di Nerone in Naples.

PHYSICAL METHODS OF REHABILITATION IN CANCER PATIENTS AFTER COMBINED MODALITY TREATMENT FOR BREAST CANCER

According to worldwide statistics breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Despite the success in current methods of treatment post-operative period in major of patients is characterized by post-mastectomy syndrome which leads to impairment in daily activities, difficulties in social adaptation and consequently to dicrease of the quality of life. The specific causes, risk factors, characteristics of clinical and pathogenetic manifestations of post-mastectomy syndrome are described in detail in this review. Different approaches to post-mastectomy syndrome classification, its clinical and instrumental diagnosis are defined. Based on more than 40 publications of Russian and foreign authors, the issue of selection of appropriate treatment tactics for the syndrome is investigated and discussed in detail. A considerable part of the review is focused on the use of physical methods of treating the post-mastectomy syndrome. It is observed that an increasing number of specialists gives preference to methods of conservative treatment special of which are medical gymnastics, complex decongestive therapy and compression therapy. On the other hand, the absence of the unified treatment algorithms is challenging for clinicians. Therefore, its development with the focus on patient-specific approach is a crucial task for modern rehabilitology in breast cancer surgery.

The Rise of Massage and Medical Gymnastics in London and Paris before the First World War.

Massage and medical gymnastics experienced a rapid institutionalization across Europe and North America between 1850 and 1914. This article explores how this process took place in London and Paris. Physiotherapy developed many of the hallmarks of an independent discipline during this period, including an identified corpus of manipulations and exercises, some autonomous training courses and degrees for future practitioners, and even the creation of departments within several hospitals. The article analyzes all of the processes surrounding this rise, paying special attention to the influence of the ambassadors of Swedish gymnastics (which led to the re-invention of massage across Europe), to the installation of physiotherapy in hospitals in London and in Paris, and to the practical and institutional innovations driven by nurses in England and by doctors in France.

From Ling Gymnastics to Sport Science: The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, GIH, from 1813 to 2013

In 2013, the former Royal Gymnastic Central Institute, now the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), celebrated its bicentenary. The purpose of this paper is to describe, by means of a literature review, the holding blocks that have contributed to the continuity of the oldest institute for PE teacher education in the world. For the first hundred years Ling gymnastics represented a legitimate system for the schooling of the body, the promotion of health and the rehabilitation of the sick. This resulted in strong markers of exclusivity, keeping the institution together. The next hundred years saw the discontinuity of Ling gymnastics, including medical gymnastics, and a call for sport education. The new cornerstones were exercise science research and the establishment of the Institute as an autonomous university college with the assignment to meet society's continued need for knowledge of how to support healthy citizens. Today's challenges for GIH include dealing with a changing society, the conflicting dimensions of (competitive) sport, and the more philanthropic ideas of body and physicality.

Yoga Comes to American Physical Education: Josephine Rathbone and Corrective Physical Education

Abstract Around the turn-of-the-twentieth-century yoga took on an American mantle, developing into India’s first “global brand” of physical culture. Physical educators became implicated in this transnational exchange adopting aspects of yoga into their programs and activities, though there has been an insufficient attempt to piece together the sum and pattern of their intersecting influences. This paper explores how adopted Eastern cultural practices such as yoga gained traction on American shores and entered the fabric of everyday and institutional life, including the curricula of higher education in the late nineteenth and early decades of the twentieth century. It then describes how American physical educator Josephine L. Rathbone came to draw inspiration and knowledge from Indian gurus about the yoga postures she would incorporate in the first and rather significant program of corrective physical education at Teachers College, Columbia University during the 1930s and 1940s. As an early pioneer of the evolution of Ling’s medical gymnastics into a therapeutic stream of physical activity which formed an important branch of physical education, Rathbone was instrumental in maintaining a critical link with physical therapy and medicine, facilitating transnational connections and networks while pushing open a door to mind-body practices from the east. Her project was a small but illuminating aspect of the shifting spaces of “bodies in contact” in cross-cultural encounters and complex imperial networks emerging from “modernities” in both East and West.