Responses to whole head-and-body tilts with and without passive ankle dorsiflexion in the absence of visual feedback.

OBJECTIVES: We have investigated lower limb responses in seven blindfolded healthy subjects to well controlled tilts in the standing position. Our aims were (1) to determine the effect of head acceleration magnitude on responses evoked by whole head-and-body tilts, and (2) to establish whether tilt-evoked responses are modifiable by passive ankle dorsiflexion. Whole head-and-body tilts evoked responses in the biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles. METHODS: Seven young healthy subjects stood on a spring-activated tilting apparatus and underwent sudden whole head-and-body tilts of about 15 degrees from the vertical position, with or without passive ankle dorsiflexion. Head acceleration was recorded with a linear accelerometer and ankle angular displacement with a potentiometer. Surface EMG signals were recorded in the right biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles. RESULTS: As the peak of head acceleration was increased from 0.5 g to 1.8 g, the frequency of occurrence of tilt-evoked responses increased from 7% to 60% of trials in the biceps femoris muscle during whole head-and-body tilts. In general, the more proximal muscle (biceps femoris) was activated before the more distal muscle (medial gastrocnemius) during whole head-and-body tilts, while the opposite pattern was found during tilt with dorsiflexion. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the occurrence of tilt-evoked responses increases with an increase in the amplitude of tilting acceleration. This suggests that tilt-evoked responses are dependent, at least in part, on vestibular stimulation. In addition, the spatio-temporal pattern of biceps femoris and medial gastrocnemius muscle activation was opposite during whole head-and-body tilts and tilts with dorsiflexion. This finding suggests that foot/ankle somatosensory inputs can modify tilt-evoked responses.

[An examination of the correlations between the general population and the users of the Biella Mental Health Service]. / Esame di alcune correlazioni tra la popolazione generale e l'utenza afferente al Servizio di Salute Mentale di Biella.

This paper correlates certain general population variables with that of the users of the Biella Mental Health Service. Age, sex, civic status and schooling are considered. Analysis of the data points to certain risk zones. The significance of these correlations is considered.

[The activity of psychiatric consultancy within a general hospital. The relationship and institutional implications]. / L'attività di consulenza psichiatrica all'interno dell'ospedale generale. Implicazioni relazionali ed istituzionali.

The consultancy activity performed by Biella Ward of the local general hospital in 1979-1987 is described. After presenting data regarding the quantity and nature of consultancy requests, the medico-hospital cultural background relating to mental suffering is analysed. The hospital often tends to address only the patient's bidimensional aspects, excluding his internal being. Because of a mutual, tacit contact between physician and patient, the moment of admission is seen as a "somatic repair service". The psychological crisis usually arises in the form of the breakdown of the contract when the possible uncertainty of diagnosis and the prolongation of clinical examination affects the personality. In the specific case of Biella Psychiatry, the forced closure of the Psychiatric Diagnosis and Care Service about six years ago helped push the Psychiatrist towards a "liaison" role.

[Activity of psychiatric consultation in the D.E.A. of the hospital of Biella in the 4-year period 1-15-83/1-15-87]. / Attività di consulenza psichiatrica presso il D.E.A. dell'ospedale di Biella nel quadriennio 15-1-83/15-1-87.

The paper analyses the work of the psychiatrist in Biella Hospital D.E.A. between 15-1-83 and 15-1-87. The general outlines of the study are described under Material and Method. This is followed by a description of the way patients arrive at the D.E.A. during which it is pointed out that both the general practitioner and the local psychiatric service are generally excluded from the emergency circuit. The reasons for the emergency, the diagnosis arrived at and the types of treatment proposed by the psychiatrist are then reviewed. One section is dedicated to recurrences with particular emphasis on the so-called major users of the psychiatric emergency service.

[Analysis of the activities of the Biella Mental Health Service during the 3-year period 1980-1982]. / Analisi dell'attività del Servizio di Salute Mentale di Biella nel triennio 1980-1982.

An account is presented of the work of the Biella local health unit in the province of Vercelli, Piedmont. Attention is drawn to the difficulties met with in applying the latest enactments concerning psychiatry. Delay in application of the health reforms is having an adverse effect on the operation of the new psychiatric care structures. Psychiatry is finding it difficult to become an integral part of the other health services. This is clear from the requests for consultation made to department psychiatrists at Biella Hospital. There has been an increase in applications for admission and compulsory treatment in the three-year period under review. In particular, there is the difficulty of taking on a small number of patients from the previous structures. By contrast, there has been a change for the better in the relationship between the community and the outpatient service. This relationship is becoming stable and is beginning to acquire a psychotherapeutic structure.