This study was designed to determine if long term training of mental imagery skills is more beneficial to an athlete than immediate imagery rehearsal practiced only prior to an event. Subjects were thirty male high school baseball athletes who were randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions: (1) long term imagery training and practice; (2) immediate imagery practice only; and (3) control. An accuracy relay-throwing test was performed with pre-test, mid-test, and post-test performance trials. Results of the study revealed no statistically significant differences over the three test periods for any of the treatment conditions. Thus, long term imagery combined with immediate imagery practice, immediate imagery practice and control groups performed equally well on the baseball throwing task.

Research examining language in written and oral trauma narratives indicates that exposure and cognitive processing are important processes responsible for therapeutic change. Bio-informational theory, which defines emotions as the activation of response, stimulus, and meaning units in memory, provides a meaningful structure for evaluating language in traumatic and neutral essays. This study examined the effects of imagery training procedures designed to prime activation of response or stimulus units on word usage. The effect of writing instructions on activation of meaning units was also investigated. Unscreened undergraduates (n=246) were randomly assigned in a 2 writing condition (traumatic or neutral) x 3 training condition (response-training, stimulus-training, or no-training) design. Word count dictionaries were used to capture the effects of training and instructions on language. Overall, results supported predicted effects of stimulus training and trauma writing, but anticipated effects of response-training were inconsistent. Implications for theory and the use of language to measure emotion are discussed.

A imobilização de membros e/ou articulações é prática utilizada na clínica no tratamento de diversas patologias, podendo variar em sua extensão e duração. Acometimentos ortopédicos comuns, como fraturas e lesões músculo-tendíneas, podem exigir como tratamento de dias a semanas de imobilização do segmento afetado. Além dos efeitos clínicos almejados, a imobilização desencadeia alterações negativas que afetam localmente o sistema musculoesquelético, mas que também trazem consequências para o sistema nervoso central (SNC) e sistema nervoso periférico. Tais consequências negativas implicam em perdas funcionais, que podem levar à dependência parcial ou completa para a realização de atividades da vida diária, como a higiene, a alimentação e a locomoção, com enormes custos individuais, familiares e sociais. É necessário, portanto, esclarecer a natureza de tais efeitos negativos e, em especial identificar o quão cedo se apresentam as alterações comportamentais e fisiológicas decorrentes do imobilismo, assim como quantificá-las e determinar a efetividade de estratégias de interferência neste processo. Neste trabalho, investigamos os efeitos de 24 horas de imobilização sobre diferentes tarefas motoras, como apertar botões, realizar a oposição do polegar em sequências variadas e fazer o alcance de alvos com o membro superior. Investigamos também, para a tarefa de oposição do polegar, o potencial terapêutico do treino motor imaginário durante o período de imobilização. Em nossos resultados, não encontramos efeitos estatísticamente significativos da imobilização sobre o comportamento motor nas tarefas pesquisadas. Adicionalmente, o treino motor imaginário na tarefa de oposição do polegar levou a uma piora no desempenho na tarefa de alcance. Esses resultados são relevantes no sentido de ressaltar que a imobilização, um recurso terapêutico importante, apresenta efeitos colaterais, mas esses não se instalam tão rapidamente quanto inicialmente hipotetizamos. É provável, ainda, que a imobilização atue de forma distinta sobre diferentes habilidades motoras, sendo umas prejudicadas com maior intensidade e precocidade do que outras. Entre as habilidades motoras afetadas pela imobilização, pode ser que encontremos, inclusive, a habilidade de imaginar cinestesicamente movimentos. O presente estudo investigou um tipo específico de treino motor imaginário, em voluntários saudáveis, submetidos a um período extremamente curto de imobilização. Possivelmente, os resultados de outros tipos de treino (variando, por exemplo, a intensidade do treino, a forma de admnistração e até mesmo a tarefa) podem ser diferentes. As sutilezas envolvidas na execução do treino motor imaginário provavelmente são a raiz da variabilidade nos resultados obtidos nos diversos experimentos da literatura. Os usos do treino motor imaginário devem, portanto, continuar a ser submetidos à experimentação, para que sua prescrição seja criteriosa e beneficie satisfatoriamente a função motora após a imobilização / The immobilization of body segments is frequently used for the treatment of orthopaedic injuries, such as fractures and soft tissue lesions. Immobilization may be as long as days or weeks, leading to several undesired side effects. The negative effects due to immobilization are felt not only in the immobilized limb, but also in the central nervous system. They lead to several functional impairments, compromising the independency of the patients in fulfilling their daily activities. Therefore, its necessary to determine the nature of such negative effects, and, specially, determine how early the functional and physiological impairments present themselves, as much as to quantify them and stabilish strategies for interference on them. In the present work, we investigated the effects of a 24-hour period of immobilization of the upper limb over several motor tasks, such as pressing buttons, oppose the thumb to the other fingers in several sequences and reaching targets. We also addressed the issue of the potential benefits of delivering a motor imagery training session, specific to the thumb opposition, during the immobilization period. Our results showed no significant effect of immobilization over the motor behavior in the evaluated tasks. Aditionally, the motor imagery training in opposing the thumb lead to an impairment on the reaching task. These results are relevant to reassure that immobilization is a safe therapeutic tool, for its side effects do not present themselves as early as hypothesized by us. Its possible, yet, that immobilization has distinct effects over different motor habilities and, in doing so, that some of the motor skills are more affected than others. It is possible that, between the motor skills affected by immobilization, we found the motor imagery hability. The present study investigated specific schedule of motor imagery training, in healthy volunteers, submited to a very short immobilization period. Its possible that other training schedules (varying the intensity, the way of administering it e even the task) might have other results then ours. The subtleties involved in motor imagery training may be the cause for the great amount of variance found in literature about it. The uses of motor imagery should be submitted to experimentation. In this way, it might be prescribed with criteria and benefit the restoration of motor function

A imobilização de membros e/ou articulações é prática utilizada na clínica no tratamento de diversas patologias, podendo variar em sua extensão e duração. Acometimentos ortopédicos comuns, como fraturas e lesões músculo-tendíneas, podem exigir como tratamento de dias a semanas de imobilização do segmento afetado. Além dos efeitos clínicos almejados, a imobilização desencadeia alterações negativas que afetam localmente o sistema musculoesquelético, mas que também trazem consequências para o sistema nervoso central (SNC) e sistema nervoso periférico. Tais consequências negativas implicam em perdas funcionais, que podem levar à dependência parcial ou completa para a realização de atividades da vida diária, como a higiene, a alimentação e a locomoção, com enormes custos individuais, familiares e sociais. É necessário, portanto, esclarecer a natureza de tais efeitos negativos e, em especial identificar o quão cedo se apresentam as alterações comportamentais e fisiológicas decorrentes do imobilismo, assim como quantificá-las e determinar a efetividade de estratégias de interferência neste processo. Neste trabalho, investigamos os efeitos de 24 horas de imobilização sobre diferentes tarefas motoras, como apertar botões, realizar a oposição do polegar em sequências variadas e fazer o alcance de alvos com o membro superior. Investigamos também, para a tarefa de oposição do polegar, o potencial terapêutico do treino motor imaginário durante o período de imobilização. Em nossos resultados, não encontramos efeitos estatísticamente significativos da imobilização sobre o comportamento motor nas tarefas pesquisadas. Adicionalmente, o treino motor imaginário na tarefa de oposição do polegar levou a uma piora no desempenho na tarefa de alcance. Esses resultados são relevantes no sentido de ressaltar que a imobilização, um recurso terapêutico importante, apresenta efeitos colaterais, mas esses não se instalam tão rapidamente quanto inicialmente hipotetizamos. É provável, ainda, que a imobilização atue de forma distinta sobre diferentes habilidades motoras, sendo umas prejudicadas com maior intensidade e precocidade do que outras. Entre as habilidades motoras afetadas pela imobilização, pode ser que encontremos, inclusive, a habilidade de imaginar cinestesicamente movimentos. O presente estudo investigou um tipo específico de treino motor imaginário, em voluntários saudáveis, submetidos a um período extremamente curto de imobilização. Possivelmente, os resultados de outros tipos de treino (variando, por exemplo, a intensidade do treino, a forma de admnistração e até mesmo a tarefa) podem ser diferentes. As sutilezas envolvidas na execução do treino motor imaginário provavelmente são a raiz da variabilidade nos resultados obtidos nos diversos experimentos da literatura. Os usos do treino motor imaginário devem, portanto, continuar a ser submetidos à experimentação, para que sua prescrição seja criteriosa e beneficie satisfatoriamente a função motora após a imobilização / The immobilization of body segments is frequently used for the treatment of orthopaedic injuries, such as fractures and soft tissue lesions. Immobilization may be as long as days or weeks, leading to several undesired side effects. The negative effects due to immobilization are felt not only in the immobilized limb, but also in the central nervous system. They lead to several functional impairments, compromising the independency of the patients in fulfilling their daily activities. Therefore, its necessary to determine the nature of such negative effects, and, specially, determine how early the functional and physiological impairments present themselves, as much as to quantify them and stabilish strategies for interference on them. In the present work, we investigated the effects of a 24-hour period of immobilization of the upper limb over several motor tasks, such as pressing buttons, oppose the thumb to the other fingers in several sequences and reaching targets. We also addressed the issue of the potential benefits of delivering a motor imagery training session, specific to the thumb opposition, during the immobilization period. Our results showed no significant effect of immobilization over the motor behavior in the evaluated tasks. Aditionally, the motor imagery training in opposing the thumb lead to an impairment on the reaching task. These results are relevant to reassure that immobilization is a safe therapeutic tool, for its side effects do not present themselves as early as hypothesized by us. Its possible, yet, that immobilization has distinct effects over different motor habilities and, in doing so, that some of the motor skills are more affected than others. It is possible that, between the motor skills affected by immobilization, we found the motor imagery hability. The present study investigated specific schedule of motor imagery training, in healthy volunteers, submited to a very short immobilization period. Its possible that other training schedules (varying the intensity, the way of administering it e even the task) might have other results then ours. The subtleties involved in motor imagery training may be the cause for the great amount of variance found in literature about it. The uses of motor imagery should be submitted to experimentation. In this way, it might be prescribed with criteria and benefit the restoration of motor function

The present study investigated the influence of a brief, intensive biofeedback-assisted imagery training regimen on psychological, physiological and neuroendocrinological measures of pain and stress in injury related chronic pain patients. The subjects were 36 patients (myelography examcandidates) who were assigned to the imagery or wait-list control group by order of referral presentation and to formulate equivalent groups.

This thesis investigates the acceptability and efficacy of Functional Imagery Training (FIT), a motivational intervention for weight-management. FIT is based on Elaborated Intrusion Theory, delivered in the style of Motivational interviewing (MI), and designed to promote sustained behaviour change and address cravings. It trains the habitual use of affective, goal-directed mental imagery of personal incentives, using imagery to plan behaviours, anticipate obstacles, and mentally try out solutions from previous successes. Participants are taught to update their imagery from their experience, and to generalise their imagery skills to new goals. In study 1, focus groups explored problems and wishes in regards to weight-management, including reactions to Functional Imagery Training (FIT) as a possible intervention. The issue of waning motivation and the desire for motivational app support was expressed in all groups. Participants were positive about FIT. Study 2 was an uncontrolled pilot trial of FIT. Eleven out of 17 participants (65%) lost 5% body weight or more by three months. Participants continued to lose weight during an unsupported 12-month period and experienced mean weight loss of 6kg (SD= 5.7; d=1.06) and mean waistline reduction of 11.5 cm (SD= 7.4; d=1.56) at 15 months. Study 3 compared the impact of FIT with MI on motivation and self-efficacy, over the first month of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) for weight-loss. Structured elicitation and training in goal-related imagery, i.e., FIT, increased motivation and self-efficacy for weight-loss relative to MI. Study 4 was the RCT for weight-loss, comparing FIT and MI over an intervention-supported six-month period, followed by six months unsupported. The FIT group achieved clinically meaningful weight-loss at 6 months (M kg-loss=4.11) and continued weight-loss at 12 months (M kg-loss=6.44); the MI group stabilised by 12 months (M kg-loss=.67), after minimal weight loss at 6 months (M kg-loss=.74). Study 5 qualitatively explored experiences of MI and FIT RCT participants, upon completing the 6-month intervention phase. MI participants wished for continued therapist- support and feared relapse. FIT participants described a mind-set-change and were confident they could maintain changes and overcome challenges using imagery techniques. Given the demonstrated benefit of motivational imagery in weight-control, FIT should be considered and further tested as an intervention for health behaviour change.

No description available.

Introduktion: Mental målbildsträning har genom tidigare forskning visat sig vara en effektiv metod för ökad prestation inom idrott. Samtidigt är mentala förmågor viktiga i hälsofrämjande arbete på individ, grupp och samhällsnivå. Studier inom ämnet visar bland annat på ökad grit och self-efficacy samt att upplevelser av mental träning har en koppling till hälsofrämjande mål hos allmänheten.Syfte: Syftet med studien var att utifrån ett hälsofrämjande perspektiv undersöka deltagarnas upplevelser av sju dagars målbildsträning.Metod: Interventionsstudien var av kvalitativ metod med öppna brev via online-formulär. 20 deltagare, män och kvinnor mellan 23-62 år lyssnade på vägledd målbildsträning sju minuter om dagen i sju dagar. Sammanställning av resultat gjordes i en latent analys.Resultat: Resultatet presenteras utifrån ett huvudtema “Målbildsträning har gett ett större fokus och känsla av drivkraft mot målbilden” samt tre underteman “Uppskattning och ett lugn”, “En vilja att fortsätta mot målet” och “Högre tro på egna förmågan”. Målbildsträning ökar den mentala inställningen att tro på den egna förmågan, uppnå en trygghet i sin drivkraft samt en avkopplande attityd till att vara i nuet för att få insikt i agerandet som krävs för att uppnå sin hälsofrämjande målbild.Slutsats: Interventionsmetoden visade sig upplevas som en ny och motiverande form av mental träning. Deltagarna beskriver en ihärdighet och kämparanda, en högre tro till sin egen förmåga samt en kontroll över sin hälsa. Detta visar att målbildsträning med fördel kan användas i hälsofrämjande arbete även efter bara en veckas träning. / Introduction: Mental goal imagery training has through previous research proved to be an effective method for increased performance in sports. At the same time, mental abilities are important in health-promoting work at individual, group and community level. Studies in the subject show among other things increased grit and self-efficacy and that experiences of mental training are linked to public health goals that promote health.Purpose: The aim of the study was to, from a health promotive perspective, examine the participants experience of seven-day mental goal imagery training.Method: The intervention study was of a qualitative method with open letters through online forms. 20 participants, men and women aged 23-62 listened to guided mental goal imagery training seven minutes a day for seven days. Summary of results was done in a latent analysis.Result: The result is presented by a main theme "Mental goal imagery training has given a greater focus and sense of driving force towards the mental goal image" as well as three sub-themes "Estimation and a calm", "A will to pursue the goal" and "Higher belief in one's own ability". Mental goal imagery training increases the mental attitude of believing in its own ability, achieving a sense of safety in its will to achieve, and a relaxing attitude to being in the moment to gain insight into the action required to achieve its health promotion goal. Conclusion: The intervention was perceived as a method proved to be a new and motivating form of mental training. The participants describe a sustainability and driving force, a higher belief in their own ability and control over their health. This shows that mental goal imagery training can with advantage be used in the work of health promotion, even after only one week of training.