A utilização da imitação facial em tarefas de reconhecimento de expressões emocionais / The use of facial mimicry in emotional expressions recognition tasks / El uso de la imitación facial en tareas de reconocimiento de expresiones emocionales

A imitação facial é um comportamento involuntário capaz de facilitar a transmissão de informações não verbais relevantes em diferentes contextos sociais. Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar a capacidade de reconhecimento de expressões emocionais enquanto o observador tensiona a própria face ou imita a face-alvo. A hipótese utilizada foi a de que indivíduos que tensionam a própria face terão menor probabilidade de acertos na execução das tarefas de reconhecimento de expressões emocionais e aqueles que imitam a expressão terão uma maior probabilidade de acertos na execução das mesmas tarefas. A amostra foi composta por 30 participantes, divididos em dois grupos experimentais: o Grupo Imitação (GI) e o Grupo Ruído (GR), ambos com 18 participantes do sexo feminino e 12 do sexo masculino. O experimento consistiu em apresentar fotos de atores expressando facialmente uma emoção básica por 10 segundos. Neste período, os participantes deveriam, então, observar ou intervir facialmente, imitando ou tensionando a própria face (de acordo com o grupo alocado, Imitação ou Ruído). Após os 10 segundos executando a instrução (observar, imitar ou interferir), o participante deveria responder - entre as opções alegria, tristeza, nojo, raiva, surpresa e medo - a emoção correspondente à imagem. Os resultados apresentaram diferenças significativas quando comparadas as tarefas de tensionar ou imitar a face-alvo, sugerindo que a alteração da própria face do observador pode influenciar durante o desempenho de uma tarefa de reconhecimento de emoções em faces.(AU)

Facial mimicry is an involuntary behavior capable of facilitating the transmission of relevant non-verbal information in different social contexts. The present study aimed to analyze the ability to recognize emotional expressions while the observer tenses their own face or imitates the target face. The hypothesis used was that individuals who tension their own face or imitate the expression of facial emotion have less or greater probability of success in performing tasks to recognize emotional expressions on faces, respectively. The sample consisted of 30 participants, divided into two experimental groups: the Imitation Group - GI (18 female participants and 12 male participants) and the Noise Group - GR (18 female participants and 12 male participants). The experiment consisted of presenting pictures of actors facially expressing a basic emotion for 10 seconds; the participants should then observe or intervene facially, imitating or tensing their own face (according to the allocated group, Imitation or Noise). After 10 seconds of executing the instruction (observing, imitating or interfering), the participant should respond - among the options joy, sadness, disgust, anger, surprise and fear - the emotion corresponding to the image. The results showed significant differences when comparing the tasks of tensioning or imitating the target face, suggesting that the alteration of the observer's own face may influence during the performance of a facial emotion recognition task.(AU)

La imitación facial es un comportamiento involuntario capaz de facilitar la transmisión de información no verbal relevante en diferentes contextos sociales. Esto estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la capacidad de reconocer expresiones emocionales mientras el observador tensa su propio rostro o imita el rostro objetivo. Se utilizó la hipótesis de que los individuos que tensan su propio rostro tendrán menor probabilidad de éxito en la realización de tareas de reconocimiento de expresiones emocionales y los individuos que imitan la expresión tendrán una mayor probabilidad de éxito en la realización de las mismas tareas. La muestra estuvo formada por 30 participantes divididos en dos grupos experimentales: el Grupo de Imitación - GI (18 mujeres y 12 hombres) y el Grupo de Ruido - GR (18 mujeres y 12 hombres). El experimento consistió en presentar imágenes de actores expresando facialmente una emoción básica durante 10 segundos; los participantes deberían entonces observar o intervenir facialmente, imitando o tensando su propio rostro (según el grupo asignado, Imitación o Ruido). Después de 10 segundos de ejecutar la instrucción (observar, imitar o interferir), el participante debería responder - entre las opciones de alegría, tristeza, asco, ira, sorpresa y miedo - la emoción correspondiente a la imagen. Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas al comparar las tareas de tensar o imitar el rostro objetivo, sugiriendo que la alteración del propio rostro del observador puede influir durante la realización de una tarea de reconocimiento de emociones en rostros.(AU)

Da intersubjetividade à empatia: em busca das raízes da cooperação / From intersubjectivity to empathy: in search of roots of cooperation

Com base nas evidências e reflexões encontradas na Psicologia do Desenvolvimento Humano, na Neurociência, na Psicologia Comparada e na Etologia, argumentamos que a cooperação é entendida como tão fundamental no processo de evolução das espécies que, para facilitá-la, a natureza nos equipou com o mecanismo da empatia para promover a ajuda entre os organismos. Procuramos mostrar como o entendimento da empatia foi ampliado com o desvendamento da intersubjetividade primária, com a descoberta dos neurônios-espelho e a partir da melhor compreensão das bases neurais da emoção. Essas descobertas possibilitam entender a empatia como uma forma de comunicação pré-linguística de base emocional, cujos principais instrumentos são o mimetismo, a sincronia biocomportamental e o compartilhamento emocional, com origem no cuidado parental.

Antropogénesis de la intersubjetividad / Anthropogenesis of intersubjectivity

Este trabajo analiza el doble vínculo entre antropogénesis e intersubjetividad desde un punto de vista antropológico, psicológico y cognitivo. Primero, se examina la significación psicológica y cognitiva de la muerte a partir de la discusión de la evidencia paleoantropológica de los primeros enterramientos del hombre de neandertal. Asimismo, se precisa su importancia en el origen del pensamiento simbólico y la constitución de la intersubjetividad. Segundo, se analiza y fundamenta el concepto de representación intersubjetiva como constructo metapsicológico que define la constitución de la subjetividad. Se profundiza en el carácter psico-cognitivo y bio-cultural de las representaciones intersubjetivas en el proceso de la antropogénesis. Tercero, se analizan los desarrollos de la teoría de las neuronas espejo y la teoría de la mente, las cuales brindan el fundamento neurocientífico y psicosocial de las representaciones intersubjetivas. Se concluye con la formulación de interrogantes para un programa de investigación interdisciplinario en antropogénesis de la intersubjetividad(AU)

This work analyzes the double bind between anthropogenesis and intersubjectivity from an anthropological, psychological, and cognitive point of view. First, we examine the psychological and cognitive significance of death from the discussion of the paleoanthropological evidence of the first Neanderthal burials. Likewise, we describe its importance in the origin of symbolic thought and the constitution of intersubjectivity. Second, we analyze the concept of intersubjective representation as a metapsychological construct that defines the constitution of subjectivity. We explore the psycho-cognitive and bio-cultural character of intersubjective representations in the process of anthropogenesis. Third, we discuss the contribution of mirror neuron theory and theory of mind, which provide the neuroscientific and psychosocial foundations for intersubjective representations. We conclude with a guideline for an interdisciplinary research program on the anthropogenesis of intersubjectivity(AU)

Cortical Brain Functions ­ The Brodmann Legacy in the 21st Century

In 1909, Korbinian Brodmann described 52 functional brain areas, 43 of them found in the human brain. More than a century later, his devoted functional map was incremented by Glasser et al in 2016, using functional nuclear magnetic resonance imaging techniques to propose the existence of 180 functional areas in each hemisphere, based on their cortical thickness, degree of myelination (cortical myelin content), neuronal interconnection, topographic organization, multitask answers, and assessment in their resting state. This opens a huge possibility, through functional neuroanatomy, to understand a little more about normal brain function and its functional impairment in the presence of a disease.

A Comprasion of the Activation of Mirror Neurons Induced by Action Observation between Simple and Complex Hand Movement

PURPOSE: We compared the activation pattern of the mirror neurons (MN) between two types of hand movement according to action observation using functional MRI. METHODS: Twelve right-handed healthy subjects (5 male and 7 female, mean age 21.92±2.02 years) participated in the experiment. During fMRI scanning, subjects underwent two different stimuli on the screen: 1) video clips showing repeated grasping and releasing of the ball via simple hand movement (SHM), and (2) video clips showing an actor performing a Purdue Pegboard test via complex hand movement (CHM). paired t-test in statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used to compare the activation differences between the two types of hand movement. RESULTS: CHM as compared with the SHM produced a higher blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal response in the right superior frontal gyrus, left inferior and superior parietal lobules, and lingual gyrus. However, no greater BOLD signal response was found by SHM compared with CHM (FWE corrected, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings provided that the activation patterns for observation of SHM and CHM are different. CHM also elicited boarder or stronger activations in the brain, including inferior parietal lobule called the MN region.

Trastorno del espectro autista, electroencefalografía y neuronas espejo / Autism spectrum disorder, electroencephalography and mirror neurons

RESUMEN El sistema de neuronas espejo (SNE) es el circuito de células nerviosas que se activan tanto al ejecutar una acción como al observar que esa misma acción es realizada por otro sujeto. En humanos, este sistema neuronal se encuentra estrechamente relacionado con la comprensión de acciones motoras e imitación, así como con capacidades de alto nivel, como el desarrollo del lenguaje verbal, la teoría de la mente (ToM) y la manifestación de cualidades como la empatía emocional, factores que son alterados en sujetos con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro autista (TEA), lo que se evidencia principalmente en afectaciones en el marco de la interacción social. Diversos estudios realizados con electroencefalografía (EEG) han permitido reconocer alteraciones en la activación del SNE en personas con TEA en tareas donde se presentan condiciones de observación de acciones motoras, lo cual se evidencia en la ausencia de la desincronización del ritmo mu del electroencefalograma. Este artículo presenta una revisión de las investigaciones que se han desarrollado en los temas de neuronas espejo, trastorno del espectro autista, electroencefalografía y su relación.

SUMMARY The mirror neuron system (MNS) is the circuit of nerve cells that are activated both by performing an action and by observing that the same action is performed by another subject. In humans, this neural system is closely related to the understanding of motor actions and imitation, as well as to high level skills such as verbal language development, theory of mind (ToM) and the manifestation of qualities such as emotional empathy, factors that are altered in subjects with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), evidencing mainly affectations at the level of social interaction. Several studies with electroencephalography (EEG) have allowed us to recognize alterations in the activation of the MNS in people with ASD in tasks where there are conditions of observation of motor actions, which is evidenced in the absence of the desynchronization of mu rate of electroencephalogram. Thus, this article presents a review of the researches that have been developed in the subjects of mirror neurons, autism spectrum disorder, electroencephalography and their relationship.

Neurônios-espelho como possível base neurológica das habilidades sociais / Mirror neurons as a possible neurological basis of social skills / Neurona espejo como una posible base neurológica de las habilidades sociales

Os neurônios-espelho (NE), descobertos ao final da década de 1990, foram relacionados com o controle de ações fundamentais no repertório motor, como o manejo de comida e objetos e a comunicação por meio de expressões faciais. Posteriormente também se supôs que tivessem relação com comportamentos mais complexos, tais como a compreensão da intencionalidade do ato alheio. As habilidades sociais (HS) são comportamentos aprendidos em contato com o meio e que procuram adaptar o indivíduo a seu ambiente. Assim, é possível que haja relação entre o funcionamento dos NE e das HS. Este artigo visa a apresentar os conceitos de HS e NE, sugerindo uma relação entre ambos, podendo se constituir numa das bases biológicas do comportamento humano

Mirror Neurons (MN) were discovered at the end of the 1990’s and then related to primary motor actions control, such as handling food and objects, and the communication through facial expressions. Later it was supposed that they had relationship with more complex behaviors, such as understanding the intentionality of the act oblivious. Social skills (SK) are learnt behavior in contact with the environment and the individual seeking to adapt to its environment; thus, it is possible that there is a relationships between the operation of the MN and SK. This article aims to introduce the concepts of MN and SK, suggesting a relationship between them, can become one of the biological bases of human behavior

Las neuronas-espejo (NE), descubiertas a finales de la década de 1990, estaban relacionadas con el control de las, como manipulación de alimentos y objetos, y la comunicación a través de las expresiones faciales. Posteriormente también se supuso que tenían relaciones con los comportamientos más complejos, como la comprensión de la intencionalidad del acto ajeno. Las habilidades sociales (HS) son los comportamiento aprendidos por el individuo en contacto con el medio ambiente y que buscan adaptar el individuo a su entorno. Por lo tanto, es posible que haya relación entre el funcionamiento de las NE y de las HS. En este artículo se pretende introducir los conceptos de la NE y HS, sugiriendo una relación entre ellos, pudiendo constituirse en una de las bases biológicas de la conducta humana

Comparison of EEG Changes Induced by Action Execution and Action Observation

PURPOSE: Recent electrophysiological studies have shown that the sensorymotor cortex is activated during both actual action excuted by themselves and observation of action performed by other persons. Observation of action based on mirror neuron system can be used as a cognitive intervention to promote motor learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the brain activity changes during action observation and action execution using EEG. METHODS: Thirty healthy volunteers participated and were requested to perform hand action and to observe the video of hand action performed by another person. The EEG activity was evaluated by a method which segregated the time-locked for each condition. To compare the differences between action observation and execution, the Mu suppression and the relative band power were analysed. RESULTS: The results showed significant mu suppression during the action observation and execution, but the differences between the two conditions were not observed. The relative band power showed a significant difference during the action observation and execution, but there were no differences between the two conditions. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that action execution and observation involve overlapping neural networks in the sensorymotor cortical areas, proposing positive changes on neurophysiology. We are expected to provide information related to the intervention of cognitive rehabilitation.

Flickering exercise video produces mirror neuron system (MNS) activation and steady state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs)

The action of observing can be used as an effective rehabilitation paradigm, because it activates the mirror neuron system. However, it is difficult to fully use this paradigm because it is difficult to get patients to engage in watching video clips of exercise. In this study, we proposed a steady state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) based paradigm that could be used in a Brain Computer Interface, and examined its feasibility by investigating whether flickering video could activate the mirror neuron system and evoke SSVEPs at the same time. Twenty subjects were recruited and asked to watch the flickering videos at a rate of 20 Hz of upper limb motion and visual white noise, while an EEG signal was recorded. The mu rhythm (8–13 Hz) suppression and the SSVEP (19–21 Hz) evocation were analyzed from recorded EEG. The results showed that SSVEPs, evoked by the flickering stimulus, was observed in both conditions on O1 and O2, but the mu rhythm suppression on C3 and C4 was observed only in the exercise video condition. These results could signify that the flickering video is applicable for the BCI rehabilitation game, activating the mirror neuron system at the same time.

Neurofisiología de la empatía: una revisión de investigaciones / Neurophysiology of empathy: a review of investigations

La empatía es un constructo con múltiples definiciones y modelos explicativos, los cuales se han conformado a partir de observaciones e investigaciones en humanos y otros animales. En el presente, se revisaron estudios en humanos sanos, que vincula empatía con conducta motora, sistema nervioso autónomo y central. La evidencia presentada apoya la asociación entre empatía y el sistema de neuronas en espejo, la imitación facial, el contagio pupilar, el sistema autonómico, la interocepción, la conectividad neuronal, la ínsula, el cíngulo, entre otras. Finalmente, esta revisión incentiva el estudio, investigación y desarrollo de las múltiples áreas y disciplinas que tratan con la empatía.

Brain stimulation used as biofeedback in neuronal activation of the temporal lobe area in autistic children / Estimulação cerebral usada como biofeedback na ativação neural do lobo temporal em crianças autistas

ABSTRACT This study focused upon the functional capacity of mirror neurons in autistic children. 30 individuals, 10 carriers of the autistic syndrome (GCA), 10 with intellectual impairments (GDI), and 10 non-autistics (GCN) had registered eletroencephalogram from the brain area theoretically related to mirror neurons. Data collection procedure occurred prior to brain stimulation and after the stimulation session. During the second session, participants had to alternately process figures evoking neutral, happy, and/or sorrowful feelings. Results proved that, for all groups, the stimulation process in fact produced additional activation in the neural area under study. The level of activation was related to the format of emotional stimuli and the likelihood of boosting such stimuli. Since the increase of activation occurred in a model similar to the one observed for the control group, we may suggest that the difficulty people with autism have at expressing emotions is not due to nonexistence of mirror neurons.

RESUMO O estudo verificou a capacidade funcional dos neurônios-espelho em crianças autistas. 30 indivíduos, sendo 10 portadores da síndrome autista (GCA), 10 com deficiência intelectual (GDI), e 10 não-autistas (GCN) tiveram registrado o eletroencefalograma da área do cérebro relacionada teoricamente com os neurônios espelho. O procedimento de coleta de dados ocorreu antes e após uma sessão de estimulação cerebral. Durante a segunda coleta de dados, os participantes tiveram de processar alternadamente figuras evocando sentimentos neutros, felizes e tristes. Os resultados provaram que, para todos os grupos, o processo de estimulação de fato produziu ativação adicional na área neural em estudo. O nível de ativação foi relacionada com o formato dos estímulos emocionais. Uma vez que o aumento da ativação ocorreu em um modelo semelhante ao observado para o grupo controle, pode-se sugerir que as pessoas com autismo têm dificuldade em expressar emoções não devido à inexistência de neurônios-espelho.

Análisis bibliométrico: la terapia de espejo como estrategia de intervención desde la terapia ocupacional en el ámbito clínico / Bibliometric Analysis: Mirror Therapy as an Occupational Therapy Intervention Strategy in the Clinical Setting / Análise bibliométrica: a terapia de espelho como estratégia de intervenção desde terapia ocupacional no âmbito clínic

Objetivo: Determinar la evidencia científica, a nivel nacional e internacional, sobre el uso de la terapia de espejo como herramienta de intervención, desde terapia ocupacional, en el área clínica; esto con el propósito de ofrecer soporte teórico para la implementación de esta estrategia en la práctica profesional. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo donde se utilizó como estrategia de búsqueda descriptores de ciencias de la salud (DECS), tales como 'neuronas en espejo', 'terapia ocupacional', 'rehabilitación física' e 'imaginería motora'. Mediante el uso del boleano and se realizaron combinaciones en cinco bases de datos: Embase, Ebsco, OTseeker Science Direct y Medline. Los análisis fueron realizados mediante el establecimiento de frecuencias para variables como revista, país, tipo de estudio y años de publicación. Conclusiones: Dentro del análisis de la evidencia se encontró que la terapia de espejo es una modalidad de intervención, recientemente utilizada por diferentes profesiones de rehabilitación. A partir de 2004 se observa un incremento en la generación de evidencia científica de alto impacto sobre el tema, debido a la efectivde salud secundarias a la enfermedad cerebrovascular (ECV), la amputación de miembros, los síndromes dolorosos crónicos y la rehabilitación posquirúrgica. Durante el periodo analizado, se evidenció un incremento en la producción académica de alto nivel de evidencia. El 35,7 % de las publicaciones analizadas corresponden a ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados (ECCA) y el 42,9 % corresponden a revisiones sistemáticas. El uso de la terapia de espejo en terapia ocupacional es una modalidad de intervención que facilita procesos de rehabilitación funcional, promueve la independencia en la ejecución de actividades de la vida diaria y facilita procesos de participación social y adaptación al entorno.

Objective: To determine the national and international scientific evidence regarding the use of mirror therapy, as an occupational therapy intervention tool in the clinical setting, in order to acquire knowledge and implement this strategy in professional practice. Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted in which the research strategy was held through medical subject headings (MeSH), such as "mirror neuron", "occupational therapy", "physical rehabilitation" and "motor imagery". Through the use of the bolean and combinations in five different databases were performed: Embase, Ebsco, OTseeker, Science Direct and Medline. The analysis was elaborated by establishing frequencies of different variables such as journal, country, study type and publishing year. Conclusions: In the evidence analysis it was found that mirror therapy is an intervention modality recently used by different rehabilitation professionals. Since 2004, an increase in the generation of high impact scientific evidence about this subject has been recognized, due in part to the reported effectiveness in clinical practices, mainly the treatment of health conditions secondary to stroke, limb amputations, chronic pain syndromes, and post-surgical rehabilitation. During the reviewed period, an increase in high level academic evidence was observed: 35.7 % of the analyzed publications correspond to randomized controlled trials and 42.9 % are systematic reviews. The use of mirror therapy in occupational therapy is an intervention modality that facilitates functional rehabilitation processes, promotes independence in performing activities of daily living (ADL) and allows social participation and environment adaptation processes to happen.

Objetivo: Determinar a evidência científica no nível nacional e internacional sobre o uso da terapia de espelho, como ferramenta de intervenção desde terapia ocupacional na área clínica, com o propósito de oferecer suporte teórico para a implementação desta estratégia na prática profissional. Materiais e métodos: realizou-se um estudo descritivo onde se utilizou como estratégia de busca descritores de ciências da saúde (DeCS) tais como "neurônios em espelho", "terapia ocupacional", "reabilitação física" e "imagética motora". Mediante o uso do booleano and se realizaram combinações em cinco bases de dados: Embase, Ebsco, OT seeker Science Direct y Medline. As análises foram realizadas mediante o estabelecimento de frequências para variáveis como revista, país, tipo de estudo e anos de publicação. Conclusões: dentro da análise da evidência encontrou-se que a terapia de espelho é uma modalidade de intervenção recentemente utilizada por diferentes profissões de reabilitação. A partir do ano 2004 se observa um incremento a geração de evidência científica de alto impacto sobre o tema, devido à efetividade reportada na prática clínica, principalmente no tratamento de condições de saúde secundárias à doença cerebrovascular (ECV), amputação de membros, síndromes dolorosas crónicas, e reabilitação pós-cirúrgica. Durante o período analisado, evidenciou-se um incremento na produção académica de alto nível de evidência. O 35,7% das publicações analisadas correspondem a ensaios clínicos controlados aleatorizados (ECCA) e 42,9% correspondem a revisões sistemáticas. O uso da terapia de espelho em terapia ocupacional, é uma modalidade de intervenção que facilita processos de reabilitação funcional, promove a independência na execução de atividades da vida diária e facilita processos de participação social e adaptação ao entorno.

Revisitando el concepto de identificación proyectiva kleiniano desde una perspectiva intersubjetiva / Re-visiting the kleinian concept of projective identification from an intersubjective perspective

Se revisa brevemente la historia el concepto de Identificación Proyectiva, intentando ponerlo en relación con los actuales descubrimientos neurocientíficos acerca de las neuronas espejo y su rol en las raíces de la empatía humana. De esa exploración surgen ideas de cierta utilidad clínica para el trabajo con pacientes con núcleos psicóticos. Se plantean algunas reflexiones para la comprensión de la manera en la que se ven interferidos los procesos de simbolización en este tipo de pacientes, a partir del material clínico de un paciente afectado de Síndrome de Asperger.Palabras claves: Asperger, simbolización, espacio potencial, espacio transicional, identificación proyectiva, neuronas espejo, empatía, intersubjetividad, simulación encarnada.

The history of the projective identification concept is reviewed briefly, trying to put it in relation with current neuro-scientific findings about mirror neurons and his role in the human empathy roots. From this exploration appear ideas of clinical utility for working with patients with psychotic core. Some reflections are presented for the understanding of the way in that the symbolic processes are interfered with this kind of patients, from a clinical material of a patient affected by Asperger syndrome.

Interaction between affordance and handedness recognition: a chronometric study

The visualization of tools and manipulable objects activates motor-related areas in the cortex, facilitating possible actions toward them. This pattern of activity may underlie the phenomenon of object affordance. Some cortical motor neurons are also covertly activated during the recognition of body parts such as hands. One hypothesis is that different subpopulations of motor neurons in the frontal cortex are activated in each motor program; for example, canonical neurons in the premotor cortex are responsible for the affordance of visual objects, while mirror neurons support motor imagery triggered during handedness recognition. However, the question remains whether these subpopulations work independently. This hypothesis can be tested with a manual reaction time (MRT) task with a priming paradigm to evaluate whether the view of a manipulable object interferes with the motor imagery of the subject's hand. The MRT provides a measure of the course of information processing in the brain and allows indirect evaluation of cognitive processes. Our results suggest that canonical and mirror neurons work together to create a motor plan involving hand movements to facilitate successful object manipulation.

Senhores da própria vida: verdade ou ilusão? / Masters of our own lives: truth or illusion?

Refletir sobre a problemática das relações entre indivíduo e cultura envolve vários ângulos de abordagem. No texto que se segue procuraremos refletir o tema à luz de alguns marcos referenciais, como a obra de Freud intitulada O Mal-Estar na Civilização (1930), cuja complexidade remete ao filósofo inglês Thomas Hobbes, no século XVII. Nos meados do século XX surgiu o conceito de "identificação adesiva" proposto pela psicanalista Esther Bick, que, embora pesquisado no ângulo específico da psicopatologia, permite uma ampla aplicação no contexto social e cultural. Na última década do século XX, a descoberta dos "neurônios-espelho" no âmbito das neurociências colocou em evidência a teoria do "desejo mimético", elaborada pelo antropólogo e filósofo francês René Girard, que, ao longo das últimas décadas, tem propiciado intensos diálogos com a psiquiatria, a psicologia e a psicanálise.(AU)

The reflection about the problem of the relationship between the individual and the culture involves several angles of approach. The following text seeks to reflect the theme in the light of some benchmarks as Freud's work entitled The Civilization and its Discontents (1930) whose complexity refers to the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes in the seventeenth century. In the mid-twentieth century appears the concept of "adhesive identification" proposed by the psychoanalyst Esther Bick that, although researching the specific angle of psychopathology, allows a wide application in the social and cultural context. In the last decade of the twentieth century the discovery of the "mirror neurons" in the framework of neuro-science has highlighted the theory of "mimetic desire" drawn up by the French anthropologist and philosopher René Girard who, over the last decades, has fostered intense dialogues with Psychiatry, Psychology and Psychoanalysis.(AU)

Abnormal Activation of the Social Brain Network in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An fMRI Study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate abnormal findings of social brain network in Korean children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with typically developing children (TDC). METHODS: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed to examine brain activations during the processing of emotional faces (happy, fearful, and neutral) in 17 children with ASD, 24 TDC. RESULTS: When emotional face stimuli were given to children with ASD, various areas of the social brain relevant to social cognition showed reduced activation. Specifically, ASD children exhibited less activation in the right amygdala (AMY), right superior temporal sulcus (STS) and right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) than TDC group when fearful faces were shown. Activation of left insular cortex and right IFG in response to happy faces was less in the ASD group. Similar findings were also found in left superior insular gyrus and right insula in case of neutral stimulation. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that children with ASD have different processing of social and emotional experience at the neural level. In other words, the deficit of social cognition in ASD could be explained by the deterioration of the capacity for visual analysis of emotional faces, the subsequent inner imitation through mirror neuron system (MNS), and the ability to transmit it to the limbic system and to process the transmitted emotion.

Effects of motor tasks through photos and videos in patients after stroke / Efeitos da demonstração de tarefas motoras por fotos e vídeos em pacientes pós-acidente vascular encefálico

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of motor tasks through photos and videos in post-stroke patients. Participants were 12 patients and 10 control people. Five functional tasks were presented in four different sequences and participants had to indicate the ones which reached the goal correctly. By ANOVA it was found that the response time of the patients was greater than of the control group (photos = patients: 4833 ± 310 ms, control: 1112 ± 76 ms, p = .0001 and videos = patients: 3655 ± 242 ms, control: 2451 ± 270 ms, p = .0001). Patients performed better with videos (p = .001). These results may influence therapeutic strategies and enable a discussion about a possible impairment of the mirror neuron system. (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos da demonstração de tarefas motoras através de fotos e vídeos em pacientes pós-AVE (acidente vascular encefálico). Participaram 12 pacientes e 10 controles. Cinco tarefas funcionais foram apresentadas em quatro sequências diferentes e os participantes indicavam aquela que alcançava o objetivo corretamente. Pela ANOVA verificou-se que o tempo de resposta dos pacientes foi maior (fotos = pacientes: 4833 ± 310 ms, controle: 1112 ± 76 ms, p = 0,0001 e vídeos = pacientes: 3655 ± 242 ms; controle: 2451 ± 270 ms, p= 0,0001). Os pacientes apresentaram melhor desempenho com os vídeos (p= 0,001). Estes resultados podem influenciar as estratégias terapêuticas e permitir uma discussão a respeito de um possível impedimento do sistema de neurônios-espelho. (AU)

Effects of mirror therapy through functional activites and motor standards in motor function of the upper limb after stroke / Efecto de la terapia del espejo por mediante actividades funcionales y patrones motores em la función del miembro superior después de um accidente cerebrovascular / Efeito da terapia de espelho por meio de atividades funcionais e padrões motores na função do membro superior pós-acidente vascular encefálico

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of mirror therapy through functional activities and motor standards in upper limb function of chronic stroke subjects. Six patients with paresis of the arm within at least six months after stroke were randomly to a group of functional activities (GAF - n=3) and group of motor standards (GPM - n=3). Both groups performed 15 sessions of mirror therapy for 30 minutes, but the first one (GAF) were instructed to do the bilateral and symmetrical movements based on functional activities (i.e. games fitting) and the second one (GAP) made movements based on normal motor patterns (i.e. wrist flexion-extension). There was no statistical significance between pre- and post-treatment for both groups independently. However, analyzing the groups together (n=6), it was observed significance values in the cognitive and total MIF (p=0.002) pre- and post-mirror therapy. This study showed improvement in the functional impairment whatever the type of movement made during the mirror therapy.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar los efectos de la aplicación de la terapia de espejo por medio de actividades funcionales y patrones motores del movimiento en la función motora del miembro superior de hemiparéticos crónicos pos-Accidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE). Seis pacientes con hemiparesía del brazo con al menos seis meses pos-AVE fueron asignados de modo aleatorio a un grupo de actividades funcionales (GAF - n=3) y un grupo de patrones motores (GPM - n=3). Ambos grupos realizaron 15 sesiones de terapia del espejo durante 30 minutos, pero el primero (GAF) fue orientado a hacer movimientos bilaterales y simétricos en base a las actividades funcionales (es decir, juegos de encaje) y el segundo (GPM), a hacer movimientos basados ​​en patrones motores normales (es decir, flexión-extensión de la muñeca). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre pre y post-tratamiento para ambos grupos de forma independiente. Sin embargo, el análisis de los grupos en conjunto (n=6) demostró valores post-terapia significativos en la Medida de Independencia Funcional (MIF) cognitiva y total (p=0,002) pre y post-terapia de espejo. Este estudio mostró una mejoría en el deterioro funcional en cualquier tipo de movimiento realizado durante la terapia del espejo.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação da terapia de espelho por meio de atividades funcionais e padrões motores do movimento na função motora do membro superior de hemiparéticos crônicos pós-Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE). Seis pacientes com hemiparesia do braço com pelo menos seis meses pós-AVE foram randomizados para um grupo de atividades funcionais (GAF - n=3) e um grupo de padrões motores (GPM - n=3). Ambos os grupos realizaram 15 sessões de terapia de espelho por 30 minutos, mas o primeiro (GAF) foi instruído a fazer movimentos bilaterais e simétricos baseados em atividades funcionais (isto é, jogos de encaixe) e o segundo (GPM), a fazer movimentos baseados em padrões motores normais (isto é, flexão-extensão de punho). Não houve significância estatística entre o pré e o pós-tratamento para ambos os grupos de modo independente. No entanto, analisando os grupos em conjunto (n=6), foram observados valores significativos na medida de independência funcional (MIF) cognitiva e total (p=0,002) pré e pós-terapia de espelho. Este estudo mostrou melhora no comprometimento funcional seja qual for o tipo de movimento feito durante a terapia de espelho.

[Effects of mirror therapy on hand function in patients with orthopedic injuries]

Mirror therapy as a neural based rehabilitation technique, produces illusion of two healthy limbs for the brain. The aim of the present study was to determine effects of mirror therapy in restoring hand function in patients with active Range of Motion [ROM] impairments following orthopaedic injuries. In a randomised controlled trial, 30 patients with active ROM impairment [8 men, 22 women; mean age: 38 years] were measured. Intervention group received mirror therapy, 30-minute a day, 5 days a week for 3-week, as well, half an hour conventional rehabilitation after each mirror therapy session. Patients in the control group received the same treatment program, but instead of mirror, they directly observed the affected hand. Outcome measures including Total Active Motion [TAM], and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] questionnaire were given pre, and post treatment, and 3 weeks later. Trial is registered as a randomised controlled trial in Iranian Clinical Trial Registry, number NCT01503762 in http:/clinicaltrials.gov/. Final analysis was performed on 23 patients. The TAM and DASH scores significantly improved in the post-test in both groups, and improvement continued during the follow-up period; however, mirror therapy group exhibited significantly greater changes in the TAM and DASH scores than control [p<0.01], either at the post-test [154° vs. 62°; 34 vs. 15], or follow-up session [181° vs. 88°; 39 vs. 26]. Mirror therapy in combination to a conventional rehabilitation program produced more improvement in hand function compared with a control group which might be through activating neural networks inhibited after injury

Broken Mirror or Unbroken Mirror? ; An Investigation for Mirror Neuron Dysfunction of the Autism Spectrum Disorder

The discovery of the mirror neuron system (MNS) is one of the most important neuroscientific achievements in the 20th century. Some researchers had reported that MNS dysfunction was discovered in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Finally, the 'broken mirror' theory of ASD was announced in the mid 2000's. According to this theory, ASD cannot simulate the mind and behavior of others due to MNS dysfunction; therefore, they cannot imitate the behaviors and empathized with the mind of others. However, ASD does not always show imitation problems. The researchers who have criticized the 'broken mirror' theory proposed the 'social top-down response modulation (STORM)' theory. On STORM theory, the medial prefrontal cortex or temporoparietal junction, brain areas related with mentalising, might modulate MNS according to social context. We compared the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.