Reflex Technique Research Articles

PROCESS IN THE CLIENT-CENTERED PSYCHOTHERAPY

The article considers the problem of the quality of the course of the psychotherapeutic process. It is shown that there are features of the client's mental organization that determine the effectiveness of therapy. An important parameter in assessing a client's resource is the presence of a qualitative metacognitive functioning in it, which includes: the authenticity and naturalness of the experience, as well as the reflection of the sources of these experiences. It is shown that the reflexive technique described by K. Rogers works exclusively on optimal processes, where there is an easy, natural transition between the different components of the emotional scheme: actual experience, a system of early memories, bodily manifestations, intellectual interpretations and motivation. If there is no such transition, a number of difficult phenomena of the process are observed. It can not be explained that the reflexive technique does not work solely with the client's unwillingness to change or the inadequate preparation of the therapist. It is necessary to supplement the strategy of "following" the client's strategy of "management", which will significantly improve the effectiveness of therapy. Following and conducting are two interconnected processes, only in unity they allow to actualize the organismic tendency. The author concludes: 1) it should be recognized that the "stopping" of the psychotherapeutic process can be caused not by the client's unreadiness, but by the way of organizing his psyche; 2) one of the options for conceptualizing such a "stalling" is a violation of metacognitive functioning, which includes the authenticity and naturalness of experiences, as well as an understanding of their sources; 3) successful metacognitive functioning is associated with the experience of safe attachments; 4) the process of "following" the client can be supplemented by the strategy of "leadership".

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF HUMANITIES TEACHERS IN POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION: REFLEXIVE PARADIGM

The article is dedicated to revealing the essence of professional training of humanities teachers in conditions of postgraduate education to realize reflexive activity. As a result of the retrospective analysis of goals and objectives of the Ukrainian postgraduate teachers’ education, the shift of educational accents from cognitive to personal has been proved, and the need for implementing a reflexive approach in the educational process has been substantiated. Basic paradigmatic characteristics of modern postgraduate pedagogical education have been revealed (dominance of axiological and sense-making components in the content of education, consideration of teacher’s professionalism from the reflexive perspective, reliance on empirical professional and social experience of trainees). Pedagogical reflection is viewed as a complex psychological phenomenon, manifested in the teacher’s ability to take an analytical position in relation to his/her activities. It has been proved that the effective development of professional pedagogical reflection in postgraduate education is possible provided that reflexive mechanisms of activity are used in practice, presented in the form of reflexive techniques designed on the basis of the reflexive didactic method. Reflexive techniques in postgraduate education provide an optimal level of professional and personal development. A significant part of reflexive techniques is realized in group forms of activity, the most effective of them are reflexive workshops

Інноваційна сутність видів і форм діяльності на уроках музики в початковій школі

The issue of improvement of the system of elementary music education is considered in the article. The research has established that modernization of education is the process and result of incorporation of progressive changes defined by the modern requirements for the young pupils’ musical education level. Use of innovative technologies on the way of formation of a new state modern artistic education contributes to the purposeful synthesis of teaching methods, opens up new opportunities for methodical variability inhe organization of a person-oriented educational process. Hence, general artisticeducation directs the actions of teachers to the versatile personal development of students, the application of such educational technologies that take full account of the significance of all factors of socio-pedagogical influence and provide opportunities for children to realize their musical activity. Innovative organization of cognitive and practical musical activity of students in the system of a person-oriented approach can be carried out by using non-standard forms of learning (dialogue, discussion, compilation of "vocabulary of feelings of musical works"; methods (interactive, game, problem-search, auditorium transmission, visual demonstration; methods of polymodal presentation of aesthetic information (plastic modeling, visual stimulation), reflexive techniques – ranking, emotional hearing and independent exercise artistic and creative projects. As the main objective of using innovative technologies in music lessons, one can consider activating cognitive and creative activity of students. This is facilitated by the use of interactive and information technologies in music art lessons The lesson of musical art should be characterized by the maximum support of the smallest attempts of creative self-expressing students, both in the performance of tasks on the elementary creation of musical samples or improvisation, and in the development of executive-interpretation skills.An important task of innovative forms and activities should be taking into account the features of rehearsal preparation and concert performances. At this stage creative expression of children should take place.

Use of personal reflexive modelling in challenging conceptualisations of cultural heritage

Conceptual and theoretical modelling has been deployed in archival science for over 20 years to critically examine the complex and diverse roles that records and archives play at individual, community and societal levels. However, how theoretical models can be utilised by professionals in practice has not, in general, been adequately described or explained. Added to this, the growing discourse on identifying and examining power structures inherent in institutional practices and policies, adds pressure to an increasingly complex heritage environment. A recent call for activist archivists is engaging, but lacks robust communication of the tools, methods and frameworks that can initiate and support how activism is deployed, evaluated and evolved, and what impact activism has as a transformative practice. This paper proposes the use of a theoretical model, the Mediated Recordkeeping Model (MRkM), as a framework to guide the development and implementation of self-reflexive modelling processes to challenge individual assumptions and practices within the memory and heritage professions. The reflexive modelling process is explored via a use case. Future research in this area would look towards building and testing formal methods that deploy the reflexive modelling technique and use of the MRkM.

Visual configuration of two species of Falconidae with different foraging ecologies

Significant interspecific differences in avian vision occur, even in congeneric species, and these have been correlated with differences in the perceptual challenges associated with foraging. Although diurnal raptors are assumed to be mainly visually guided in their foraging, they differ markedly in their foraging tactics and this may result in different visual demands. Among the Falconidae (Falconiformes), most falcons forage mainly on the wing for highly mobile prey, whereas caracaras forage on the ground for carrion and insects. We assessed whether Saker Falcon Falco cherrug and Southern Caracara Caracara plancus differ in their visual abilities by determining the visual fields and foveal characteristics of both species. Using an ophthalmoscopic reflex technique, we found a higher degree of binocular overlap in the caracaras than in the falcons. The high binocular overlap (47°) of the Southern Caracara may facilitate object manipulation (e.g. moving rocks) when foraging. We used an ultra‐high resolution spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography to determine foveal characteristics. We found two foveas (depressions in the retina where high visual resolution is expected) in the falcons (one central and one temporal) but only a central fovea in the caracaras. The presence of a shallower temporal fovea in Saker Falcons may help to fixate visually upon a highly mobile prey item during pursuit. We conclude that these differences in visual field configurations and foveal characteristics reflect different foraging demands, suggesting that the extraction of visual information is finely tuned to the demands of their foraging tactics.

Changing Curriculum Practice in Early Childhood Education Setting: An Action Research to Enhance Authentic Assessment

The goal of Early childhood education (ECE) is to provide environment to support children’s holistic development. Therefore, curriculum and assessment must be planned carefully to encourage activities that could nurture the development. This paper discusses the reflexive accounts of the author based on her experience, as an academician/researcher transforming an early childhood education practice in local context. The transformation from paper-and-pencil (P-P) activities/tests towards authentic curriculum and assessment practice was carried out as a democratic process guided by action research design. A catalyst in the form of Curriculum-Based Assessment (CBA) instrument was used to guide the author. There were four parts involved which are modification of (i) lesson plan, (ii) physical and social environment, (iii) children’s activities, (iv) assessment. These modifications were carried out throughout the one-year teacher training period. By applying reflexive technique to change the practice i.e. democratic approach, the training plans/syllabus had to be modified by alternating discussion with hands-on activities with the teachers. Data showed that changes in the physical settings and social atmosphere had led to a more responsive relationship between teachers and children. Hence, more criteria of development were nurtured than previously observed when children’s activities were focused on the P-P. These can be seen in the recorded photos, videos and work samples recorded in the children’s portfolio. Lack of academic qualifications and continuous trainings among the teachers posed a great challenge for the change to take place.

Are Human Digit Muscles Devoid of Recurrent Inhibition?

Are Human Digit Muscles Devoid of Recurrent Inhibition?

Future resource: Ph.D. student collaboration

ABSTRACTFuture Reflections Research Group (FR) was a collaboration of three Ph.D. student researchers that developed in parallel with their doctoral studies at Chelsea College of Arts (London, UK) between 2007 and 2010. The group's performative presentations, critical/creative writing and relational art addressed the interplay of theory and practice in art research as an emerging field of enquiry. Taking the art research conference as a main site of investigation, FR questioned the relevance of this largely academic format for valorising practice-based research. What emerged over the group's eight projects can be described as the beginnings of a shared sensibility that used reflective and reflexive techniques to interrogate the relationship between ‘art’ as an extradisciplinary creative practice and ‘research’ as a knowledge enterprise subject to university-based conventions. Written as a dialogue, this paper discusses how FR as a student-led collaboration ‘practised theory’ reflexively, with this understood as a particular kind of reflective work, operating towards a shared praxis of art research within the group. While the respective Ph.D. projects of FR's members informed their shared research, this collaboration developed aspects of both form and method that were not anticipated at the outset. The paper explores ways of resourcing collaborative Ph.D. student research in post-doctoral work and beyond. This reflexive potential suggests a means of making practice-based research more sustainable, with earlier enquiry providing a resource for later investigation.

Visual abilities in two raptors with different ecology.

Differences in visual capabilities are known to reflect differences in foraging behaviour even among closely related species. Among birds, the foraging of diurnal raptors is assumed to be guided mainly by vision but their foraging tactics include both scavenging upon immobile prey and the aerial pursuit of highly mobile prey. We studied how visual capabilities differ between two diurnal raptor species of similar size: Harris's hawks, Parabuteo unicinctus, which take mobile prey, and black kites, Milvus migrans, which are primarily carrion eaters. We measured visual acuity, foveal characteristics and visual fields in both species. Visual acuity was determined using a behavioural training technique; foveal characteristics were determined using ultra-high resolution spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT); and visual field parameters were determined using an ophthalmoscopic reflex technique. We found that these two raptors differ in their visual capacities. Harris's hawks have a visual acuity slightly higher than that of black kites. Among the five Harris's hawks tested, individuals with higher estimated visual acuity made more horizontal head movements before making a decision. This may reflect an increase in the use of monocular vision. Harris's hawks have two foveas (one central and one temporal), while black kites have only one central fovea and a temporal area. Black kites have a wider visual field than Harris's hawks. This may facilitate the detection of conspecifics when they are scavenging. These differences in the visual capabilities of these two raptors may reflect differences in the perceptual demands of their foraging behaviours.

The Look on Their Faces

This essay offers a psychoanalytical reading of Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige (2006) by principally focusing on the discourse of lack. I argue that the visual, structural and thematic composition of the film provides a means to confront the fundamental sense of lack – a central tenant of Lacanian psychoanalysis – at the heart of being. In particular, I contend that Nolan foregrounds lack by using reflexive techniques that call attention to the film’s production processes which in turn, highlight the spectator’s desire for a sense of (unattainable) unity.

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the motor cortex induces opposite modulation of reciprocal inhibition in wrist extensor and flexor.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is used as a noninvasive tool to modulate brain excitability in humans. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that tDCS applied over the motor cortex also modulates spinal neural network excitability and therefore can be used to explore the corticospinal control acting on spinal neurons. Previously, we showed that reciprocal inhibition directed to wrist flexor motoneurons is enhanced during contralateral anodal tDCS, but it is likely that the corticospinal control acting on spinal networks controlling wrist flexors and extensors is not similar. The primary aim of the study was to explore the effects of anodal tDCS on reciprocal inhibition directed to wrist extensor motoneurons. To further examine the supraspinal control acting on the reciprocal inhibition between wrist flexors and extensors, we also explored the effects of the tDCS applied to the ipsilateral hand motor area. In healthy volunteers, we tested the effects induced by sham and anodal tDCS on reciprocal inhibition pathways innervating wrist muscles. Reciprocal inhibition directed from flexor to extensor muscles and the reverse situation, i.e., reciprocal inhibition, directed from extensors to flexors were studied in parallel with the H reflex technique. Our main finding was that contralateral anodal tDCS induces opposing effects on reciprocal inhibition: it decreases reciprocal inhibition directed from flexors to extensors, but it increases reciprocal inhibition directed from extensors to flexors. The functional result of these opposite effects on reciprocal inhibition seems to favor wrist extension excitability, suggesting an asymmetric descending control onto the interneurons that mediate reciprocal inhibition.

Age-related changes in neuromuscular function of the quadriceps muscle in physically active adults

Substantial evidence exists for the age-related decline in maximal strength and strength development. Despite the importance of knee extensor strength for physical function and mobility in the elderly, studies focusing on the underlying neuromuscular mechanisms of the quadriceps muscle weakness are limited.The aim of this study was to investigate the contributions of age-related neural and muscular changes in the quadriceps muscle to decreases in isometric maximal voluntary torque (iMVT) and explosive voluntary strength. The interpolated twitch technique and normalized surface electromyography (EMG) signal during iMVT were analyzed to assess changes in neural drive to the muscles of 15 young and 15 elderly volunteers. The maximal rate of torque development as well as rate of torque development, impulse and neuromuscular activation in the early phase of contraction were determined. Spinal excitability was estimated using the H reflex technique. Changes at the muscle level were evaluated by analyzing the contractile properties and lean mass.The age-related decrease in iMVT was accompanied by a decline in voluntary activation and normalized surface EMG amplitude. Mechanical parameters of explosive voluntary strength were reduced while the corresponding muscle activation remained primarily unchanged. The spinal excitability of the vastus medialis was not different while M wave latency was longer. Contractile properties and lean mass were reduced.In conclusion, the age-related decline in iMVT of the quadriceps muscle might be due to a reduced neural drive and changes in skeletal muscle properties. The decrease in explosive voluntary strength seemed to be more affected by muscular than by neural changes.

Applied kinesiology: Distinctions in its definition and interpretation

Modification of the motor system in assessing and treating as well as understanding one of the causes of musculoskeletal dysfunctions is a topic of growing importance in healthcare. Applied kinesiology (AK) addresses this interest in that it is a system which attempts to evaluate numerous aspects of health (structural, chemical, and mental) by the manual testing of muscles combined with other standard methods of diagnosis. It leads to a variety of conservative, non-invasive treatments which involve joint manipulations or mobilizations, myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition and dietary management, counseling skills, evaluating environmental irritants, and various reflex techniques. The effectiveness of these ancillary treatments is believed to be consistent with the expanded construct validity of the manual muscle test (MMT), as described, although this assertion has primarily been tested in outcome studies.AK and its adjunctive procedures (challenge and therapy localization) are highlighted in this review providing details of its implementation as prescribed by an International College of Applied Kinesiology's Board of Examiners, cited for its scholarly and scientific activities. Because these procedures are believed to identify specific articular, soft tissue, biochemical, or emotional issues underlying muscle function, the applicability of this diagnostic method for all clinicians treating muscle imbalance disorders is described. As of yet, MMT efficacy in therapy localization and challenge techniques has not been established in published, peer-reviewed research.A variety of challenges likewise remain for professional AK to establish itself as an emerging science, with numerous gaps in the literature and testable hypotheses enumerated. Of particular concern are a multiplicity of derivatives of AK that have been described in the literature, which should be greeted with caution in light of the fact that they lack one or more of the essential attributes of AK as described in this report. The validity of these studies which have been critical of applied kinesiology appears in many instances to be no greater than several of the randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case control studies, and case studies found in this communication to support various aspects of applied kinesiology.

Effect of Exercise-induced Muscle Damage on Neuromuscular Function of the Quadriceps Muscle

Exercise-induced muscle injury is commonly accompanied by a reduction of muscular strength. It has been suggested that this reduction in voluntary force is attributable to "peripheral" and "central" mechanisms within the neuromuscular system. The quadriceps muscle of 15 subjects was damaged with four bouts of 25 maximal voluntary concentric-eccentric contractions at a speed of 60°/s. In a time period of 7 days, we investigated the contribution of agonist muscle activation and contractile properties (CP) to changes in isometric maximum voluntary torque (iMVT). In order to provide a comprehensive assessment, the neural drive to muscles was estimated with the interpolated twitch technique and root mean square of the EMG signal. CP were evaluated by analysing the twitch torque signal induced by single and doublet stimulation. Furthermore, we measured changes in alpha motoneuron excitability of vastus medialis at the spinal level due to muscle soreness using the H reflex technique. The iMVT was impaired at post, 24 h and 48 h, while rate of torque development and voluntary activation (VA) were only decreased immediately after the intervention. CP were impaired immediately after exercise and at 24 h. Maximal H reflex (Hmax), maximal M wave (Mmax) and the Hmax/Mmax-ratio were not affected. Sensation of muscle soreness assessment revealed impairments at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Data suggest that reduced VA and altered CP contribute to the force loss immediately after concentric-eccentric exercise. Thereafter, the impairment of CP seems to be mainly responsible for the reduced iMVT. In addition, there is no evidence for an association between muscle soreness and VA as well as between muscle soreness and spinal excitability.

Vision, touch and object manipulation in Senegal parrots Poicephalus senegalus

Parrots are exceptional among birds for their high levels of exploratory behaviour and manipulatory abilities. It has been argued that foraging method is the prime determinant of a bird's visual field configuration. However, here we argue that the topography of visual fields in parrots is related to their playful dexterity, unique anatomy and particularly the tactile information that is gained through their bill tip organ during object manipulation. We measured the visual fields of Senegal parrots Poicephalus senegalus using the ophthalmoscopic reflex technique and also report some preliminary observations on the bill tip organ in this species. We found that the visual fields of Senegal parrots are unlike those described hitherto in any other bird species, with both a relatively broad frontal binocular field and a near comprehensive field of view around the head. The behavioural implications are discussed and we consider how extractive foraging and object exploration, mediated in part by tactile cues from the bill, has led to the absence of visual coverage of the region below the bill in favour of more comprehensive visual coverage above the head.

Spinal cord excitability is not influenced by elevated blood lactate levels

The aim of the present study was to examine the association of high blood lactate levels, induced with a maximal cycling or with an intravenous infusion, with spinal cord excitability. The study was carried out on 17 male athletes; all the subjects performed a maximal cycling test on a mechanically braked cycloergometer, while 6 of them were submitted to the intravenous infusion of a lactate solution (3 mg/kg in 1 min). Before the exercise or the injection, also at the end as well as 5 and 10 min after the conclusion, venous blood lactate was measured and excitability of the spinal α-motoneurons was evaluated by using the H reflex technique. In both experimental conditions, it has been observed that an exhaustive exercise is associated with a strong increase of blood lactate (but not of blood glucose) and with a significant reduction of spinal excitability. Since a similar augment of blood lactate induced by an intravenous infusion, in subjects not performing any exercise, is not associated with significant changes of spinal excitability, it can be concluded that the increase of blood lactate levels during a maximal exercise is not per se capable of modifying the excitability of spinal α-motoneurons.

P03-235 - Spatial notions peculiarities as a mark of the schizophrenia's degree of intensity

Spatial notions belong to the most important concepts, which depict and characterize person's consciousness and determine its thought's and world image's specificity. Spatial notions’ peculiarities in connection with psychic pathology of the different degree of intensity are scanty explored.ObjectiveSpatial notions’ peculiarities specific to individuals who suffer from schizophrenic spectrum disorders of the different degree of intensity.SampleSchizophrenia (ICD-10, F20) (30 individuals), schizotypal disorder (F21) (30) and conditionally healthy (60). Exception criteria: organic affection lesions CNS, epilepsy (G40), mental retardation (F70-F79). The experimental base: Moscow mental hospital №13.AimTo analyze and to describe spatial notions’ peculiarities specific to individuals who suffer from schizophrenic spectrum disorders (sexual differences are taken into consideration).MethodsThe following groups of methods were used to achieve the aim of research: methods intended for “direct” space perception research; projective and reflexive techniques; methods intended for the thought peculiarities research.ResultsBlatant violations of the spatial perception were found in experimental group. Sexual differences were defined: more abstract and nonstandard decisions are specific for men, more concrete and fragmentary - women.It should be noted that errors amount wasn’t rising in the experimental group with the complication of the tasks.ConclusionsBlatant violations of the spatial perception include emasculation, image distortion, perseveration, notion agglutination, decision paradoxicality, ambivalence etc. These violations are classified as the peculiarity of the negative psychopathological manifestations of thought and perception specific to the schizophrenia.In some case, spatial idea can expose predisposition to the latent psychic pathology of endogenous origin.

Design of a Strategic-Tactical Stated-Choice Survey Methodology Using a Constructed Avatar

This paper presents findings from a small-sample qualitative study on people's activity travel behavior in the presence or absence of carsharing. A carsharing service provides its subscribers with short-term access to a fleet of shared cars. In previous research, subscribers have reported distinctive travel patterns, such as more car usage by subscribers than by non–car owners but less than by car owners. Reflexive techniques were used in which interviewees adapted a week of their recent activity travel behavior in response to stimuli. Findings from this study informed the design of a stated-choice survey that addressed three principal forms of complexity: (a) strategic-tactical choice situations, (b) situations in which respondents might select multiple interacting options in a single choice situation, and (c) situations in which sufficient knowledge of the individual survey respondent to tailor such a complex choice situation could not feasibly be gathered during a single interview. In the proposed design, the respondent indicates a strategic choice of which methods of travel to make available for use given a set of representative out-of-home activities. Accessibility to each activity by various means of travel is generated by using empirical distributions from Britain's National Travel Survey data sets to maximize plausibility of the information presented to respondents. An avatar (a virtual character for purposes of the survey) is constructed for each respondent on the basis of a small set of self-reported demographic characteristics. The use of multiday activity travel diaries would ideally involve multiple points of contact with each respondent at substantial cost. Therefore, an alternative method involving a single interview per respondent was sought.

Hawk Eyes I: Diurnal Raptors Differ in Visual Fields and Degree of Eye Movement

BackgroundDifferent strategies to search and detect prey may place specific demands on sensory modalities. We studied visual field configuration, degree of eye movement, and orbit orientation in three diurnal raptors belonging to the Accipitridae and Falconidae families.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe used an ophthalmoscopic reflex technique and an integrated 3D digitizer system. We found inter-specific variation in visual field configuration and degree of eye movement, but not in orbit orientation. Red-tailed Hawks have relatively small binocular areas (∼33°) and wide blind areas (∼82°), but intermediate degree of eye movement (∼5°), which underscores the importance of lateral vision rather than binocular vision to scan for distant prey in open areas. Cooper's Hawks' have relatively wide binocular fields (∼36°), small blind areas (∼60°), and high degree of eye movement (∼8°), which may increase visual coverage and enhance prey detection in closed habitats. Additionally, we found that Cooper's Hawks can visually inspect the items held in the tip of the bill, which may facilitate food handling. American Kestrels have intermediate-sized binocular and lateral areas that may be used in prey detection at different distances through stereopsis and motion parallax; whereas the low degree eye movement (∼1°) may help stabilize the image when hovering above prey before an attack.ConclusionsWe conclude that: (a) there are between-species differences in visual field configuration in these diurnal raptors; (b) these differences are consistent with prey searching strategies and degree of visual obstruction in the environment (e.g., open and closed habitats); (c) variations in the degree of eye movement between species appear associated with foraging strategies; and (d) the size of the binocular and blind areas in hawks can vary substantially due to eye movements. Inter-specific variation in visual fields and eye movements can influence behavioral strategies to visually search for and track prey while perching.

TREATMENT FOR ACUTE NONSPECIFIC LOWER BACK PAIN

The causes, manifestations, and principles of diagnosis of acute nonspecific lower back pain (nLBP) are considered. Symptoms and complaints, the emergence of which is associated with the presence of dangerous disease, are singled out in patients with back pain. Emphasis is placed on the treatment of nLBP with currently available unselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and myorelaxants. It is also noted that multimodality therapy in such patients should include therapeutic exercises, reflex and manual therapy techniques (postisometric relaxation), and massage.