The ability to attain and maintain a body position or balance is considered important in learning and performing motor skills. Static balance is defined as balance in which the body maintains equilibrium for one position; dynamic balance is described as maintaining equilibrium while the body is in motion or changing from one balanced position to…

This book focuses on the interdependence of postural alignment and the performance of movement. It provides an educational method (ideokinesis), which stresses the inherent capacity of the nervous system to determine the most efficient neuromuscular coordination for each movement. This method of teaching body balance and efficient movement has…

Examined relationship between counselor deliberate postural lean and communication of intensity, empathic understanding, respect, and genuineness. Used 12 male counselors under three postural lean conditions in counseling interaction with female clients. Making a required lean forward was associated with decreased facilitative levels and backward,…

Reviews a range of material written about the use of the Alexander Technique in educating children to acquire better kinesthetic awareness of balance and body movement, and introduces briefly the theoretical principles underpinning Alexander's teaching. Presents curriculum issues for young children and the teacher awareness required to educate…

Having defined pantomime as the art of communicating ideas and emotions without dialogue, this report stresses the role of the body in suggesting an idea, impression, sensation, or character and offers a series of exercises to help develop the muscular coordination and graceful movement characteristic of good pantomime technique. The first series…

A discussion of the role of nonverbal communication in foreign language learning focuses on culturally-conditioned aspects of nonverbal behavior. Various means of nonverbal communication, including posture, gestures, facial expression, occulesics, proxemics, haptics, chronemics, and syncing are examined, and some of the cultural differences found…

A discussion of immediacy, the degree of perceived physical or psychological closeness between people, looks at a variety of verbal and nonverbal factors and behaviors useful to gain immediacy among co-workers, including attractiveness, clothing, posture, facial/eye behavior, vocal cues, space, touch, time, and gestures. Cross-gender dimensions,…

This article considers the visual rehabilitation of patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries. Characteristics, symptoms, and associated neuromotor difficulties of posttrauma vision syndrome are listed, as are common posture and gait adaptations. A neuro-optometric rehabilitative and orientation/mobility evaluation is recommended, as is…

Considers embedded assessment within choral rehearsals, describing five assessment tools for use within the regular activities of choral ensembles. Discusses the benefits of embedded assessment. Provides ten tips for helping teachers successfully embed assessments. Includes sidebars for the five assessments and a bibliography. (CMK)

This article examines the effects of a pilot project for an experiential instructional model in teaching culturally sensitive, empathic communication skills. It attempts to integrate and communicate the theoretical, conceptual, and experiential understanding of cross-cultural empathy through the practice of mindful attitudes. Students were…

People with profound intellectual disabilities rarely experience a physically active lifestyle, and their long-term physical inactivity likely contributes to poor health. The authors developed and implemented a pilot exercise program for persons with a profound intellectual disability and conducted a study to evaluate the effort. The development…

Time-saving strategies are offered for determining appropriateness of assistive technology devices for persons with physical disabilities in movement and posture. The strategies are based on the principle that even an individual with the most severe involvement has certain controllable movements that can form the foundation for interaction with an…

Information gathered from one and a half years of interviews with anthropologists, psychologists, ethologists, sociologists, and psychiatrists provides the source of answers for the questions this book addresses: How much do we communicate with words, and how much with gestures, postures, and movement? What can we learn from the study of nonverbal…

Examines computer use and repetitive strain injury (RSI) among children and young adults, emphasizing body-awareness training that teaches people to notice and feel body components; understand principles of relaxation, balance, and movement efficiency; and use economical and strain-free ways of accomplishing movements. Outlines elements of safety…

Background: Apraxia is neurologically induced deficit in the ability perform purposeful skilled movements. One of the most common forms is ideomotor apraxia (IMA) where spatial and temporal production errors are most prevalent. IMA can be associated Alzheimer's disease (AD), even early in its course, but is often not identified possibly because…