Somatic education approaches in piano studies: A snapshot of Spanish conservatoire practices.

Somatic education in professional instrumental teaching is an emerging field in Spanish conservatoire culture. Although we find that the Alexander Technique was included in some European institutions since the middle of the XXth Century, this was not the case in the Spanish context. By means of a qualitative study, through document analysis and fifteen in-depth interviews with somatic teachers, the statutory frameworks of professional Piano studies and teaching plans related to somatic education in Spanish conservatoires, the principles that support them and the current practices that are undertaken in professional piano studies were analyzed. We found that there are eclectic approaches and practices in correlation with the background of the teachers in charge of the courses. Four main orientations can be described: somatic education per se; ergonomics and postural technique; body communication, training and technique; and mental and concentration control techniques. Further research to explore the interrelationships between somatic approaches and instrumental teaching would greatly benefit the field.

Ginástica holística na educação física escolar: desenvolvimento de uma proposta / Holistic gymnastics in school physical education: development of a proposal

A Ginástica Holística é um método de Educação Somática criado pela alemã Lily Ehrenfried, mas sistematizado após sua chegada à França em 1933. Este método possui cerca de 800 movimentos padronizados, e dentre suas características singulares, citamos: orientações passadas de forma verbal (sem demonstração); sem número de repetições pré-determinadas; e tempo para a percepção do corpo após cada movimento. As ginásticas com componente de conscientização corporal foram incorporadas há pouco tempo nos principais documentos normativos educacionais no Brasil, e sua aplicação parece ser muito pouco realizada. O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar o desenvolvimento de um programa de 10 aulas de Ginástica Holística junto à uma turma de 7º ano do Ensino Fundamental de uma escola pública de Campinas/SP. Esta pesquisa do tipo intervenção pedagógica, com abordagem qualitativa, utilizou observações, entrevistas com a professora de Educação Física e dois gestores, e grupos focais com os/as estudantes para o levantamento dos dados, que foram organizados e analisados por meio da triangulação. Segundo os/as estudantes, havia pouca variação em termos dos conteúdos tratados nas aulas de Educação Física, o que pode ter causado certo estranhamento em relação à proposta, como exemplo, eles/as esperarem padrões de movimento para serem imitados. As aulas permitiram ampla exploração corporal associada a noções de cuidado e saúde, sem perder seu componente lúdico e pedagógico. Além de vivenciar um novo conteúdo, a proposta proporcionou aos/às estudantes uma reflexão sobre os significados culturais dos movimentos, estabelecendo uma relação crítica com eles, bem como incentivou relações mais democráticas, favorecendo o diálogo e a participação na construção das aulas. A Ginástica Holística se mostrou uma proposta adequada para ser desenvolvida, tendo boa aceitação por parte dos/as estudantes e da equipe da escola. (AU)

Holistic Gymnastics is a method of Somatic Education created by the german Lily Ehrenfried but systematized after her arrival in France in 1933. This method has about 800 standardized movements, and among its unique characteristics, we mention: instructions given verbally (without demonstration), without a number of predetermined repetitions and time for the perception of the body after each movement. Gymnastics with a body awareness component were recently incorporated into the main educational normative documents in Brazil, and their application seems to be very little performed. The objective of this research was to evaluate the development of a 10-lesson Holistic Gymnastics program in a 7th grade class of a Public Middle School in Campinas/SP. This pedagogical intervention type research, with a qualitative approach, used observations, interviews with the Physical Education teacher and two school coordinators and focus groups with students to survey the data, which were organized and analyzed through triangulation. According to the students, there was little variation in terms of the content treated in Physical Education classes, which may have caused some estrangement in relation to the proposal, such as, for example, they expected movement patterns to be imitated. The classes allowed wide body exploration associated with notions of selfcare and health, without losing its ludic and pedagogical component. In addition to experiencing new content, the proposal provided students with a reflection on the cultural meanings of the movements, establishing a critical relationship with them, as well as encouraging more democratic relationships, favoring dialogue and participation in the construction of classes. Holistic Gymnastics proved to be a suitable proposal to be developed in school, with good acceptance by students and school staff.(AU)

Dança e movimento como processos terapêuticos: contextualização histórica e comparação entre diferentes vertentes / Dance and movement as therapeutic processes: historical context and comparisons

Resumo O artigo apresenta e discute as atuais abordagens que se utilizam do corpo em movimento com propósito terapêutico, assinalando o contexto histórico de seu desenvolvimento e destacando seus principais conceitos e práticas. Identificamos as propostas psicoterápicas mais citadas na literatura acadêmica e no contexto de atuação profissional, em especial a dança-movimento terapia, abarcando oito principais abordagens, e as danças terapêuticas, não estritamente pertencentes ao campo psicoterápico, como a biodança e os grupos que aliam dança contemporânea aos princípios da educação somática. Sistematizamos em quadro comparativo as abordagens apresentadas, discutindo suas aproximações e seus afastamentos, de modo a contribuir para a identificação mais precisa de cada abordagem e maior diálogo entre as vertentes.

Abstract This article discusses current therapeutic approaches that use the body in motion, noting the historical context and highlighting the main concepts and practices. The most frequently cited psychotherapeutic suggestions in the academic literature and in professional practice are identified, particularly dance/movement therapy (with eight main approaches) and therapeutic dance practices not strictly located within the field of psychotherapy (such as biodance and groups that link contemporary dance with the principles of somatic education). These approaches are compared and contrasted to more precisely identify each approach and augment dialog between them.

Exploring the field application of combined cognitive-motor program with mild cognitive impairment elderly patients.

This study evaluated combined cognitive-motor program based on Alexander technique and Bartenieff fundamental method for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. The purpose was to explore the field application of combined cognitive-motor learning program centering on proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, developing sensory-motor coordination and enhancing focused attention to one's whole body. Two practice methods were applied to the 40 MCI elder. The combined cognitive-motor learning program (CM) was applied to the 20 MCI elder while 20 elder took traditional movement learning program (TM). Mini Mental States Examination-Korea (MMSE-K), Time Up & Go Test (TUG), Flexibility Test and Pegboard Test were measured and analyzed. The collected data were analyzed by paired t-test. The results were as follows: Both groups showed similar learning effect in Flexibility Test and Pegboard Test. However, in MMSE-K and TUG, CM group showed significant learning effect than TM group. Our data suggested body awareness and body consciousness through Alexander technique and Bartenieff fundamental program facilitated patients' kinaesthesia: sensory awareness and conscious control of the whole movement. From these results, we conclude that combined cognitive-motor learning program is valuable as alternative program for cognitive development as well as physical development of MCI elder.

Pistas somáticas para um estudo da corporeidade: uma aprendizagem das sensações / Somatic clues for a study of the corporeity: a learning of sensations

Resumo Este texto pretende apresentar algumas pistas para um estudo da corporeidade a partir da metodologia de aprendizagem somática evidenciando-a como uma aprendizagem do/pelo corpo vivido e experimentado através da habitação de sua dimensão material intensiva e heterogênea, produtora de alteridades espaço-temporais. Para tanto, nos aproximaremos da abordagem somática Body Mind Centering. Serão apresentados relatos de experiências registrados em um diário de bordo e em entrevistas que procurarão evidenciar a natureza estético-sensível do corpo como impulsionadora de um aprendizado pela via das sensações. Os relatos compõem um campo investigativo no qual o corpo, em experimentação de si, se faz bússola de um processo errante de buscas pela legitimação do corpo enquanto realidade plena, potente e vital.(AU)

Abstract This text intends to present some clues for a study of the corporeity from the methodology of somatic learning evidencing it as a learning of / by the lived and experienced body through the habitation of its intensive and heterogeneous material dimension, producer of space-time othernesses. To do so, we will get closer to the somatic approach developed by Body Mind Centering. We will present accounts of experiences recorded in a logbook and in interviews that will search to highlight the aesthetic-sensitive nature of the body as a propellor of learning through sensations. The accounts set out an investigative field in which the body, in self-experimentation, become the compass of an errant process of searching for the legitimation of the body as a full, potent and vital reality.(AU)

The effect of Alexander technique training program: A qualitative study of ordinary behavior application.

The purpose of this study was to configure and apply the Alexander technique training program and assess the effect of program through physical, emotional and behavioral aspects. To achieve the research aims, qualitative research method had been conducted, subjecting 8 people, who were participating in Alexander Technique training program for this study. The study used focus group interview method for collecting date and employed for the interview method by mixing the semi-structured and unstructured questionnaire. The results were followings. First, one could develop body awareness and body consciousness through experiencing lived bodily sensation. Second, from Alexander Technique training program, people experienced psycho & physical's equilibrium. Third, one could change not only the manner of use of body but also the attitude to the life from conscious attention to daily ordinary movement. The results provided empirical evidence of Alexander Technique training program's functions in terms of physical, emotional and behavioral aspect through the process of consciousness control from lived body education.

Método feldenkrais e o equilíbrio de idosos: uma revisão sistemática / Feldenkrais method and balance in the elderly: a systematic review

O Método Feldenkrais é uma técnica de Educação Somática que busca promover a tomada de consciência de si a partir da experimentação do movimento, embora muitas lições desse método sejam adequadas para o restabelecimento do equilíbrio. A melhora do equilíbrio é um benefício importante para idosos, pois quedas representam um risco de saúde nessa população. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar, por meio de uma revisão sistemática, se há evidências de que o Método Feldenkrais possibilita uma melhora no equilíbrio de idosos. Foi feita uma busca em bases de dados, sendo incluídos somente os estudos que atingiram todos os critérios de elegibilidade. Os resultados indicam que o Método Feldenkrais reduz o medo de queda e melhora o equilíbrio estático. Considerando o equilíbrio dinâmico, existem resultados conflitantes entre os estudos. A presente revisão também evidencia a necessidade de novas pesquisas sobre esse tema com metodologias mais cuidadosas.

The Feldenkrais Method is a technique of Somatic Education that is designed to establish heightened self-awareness through movement experimentation, although many lessons of this method are suitable for balance retraining. Improved balance is important for the elderly, given that falls represent a health risk in this population. Thus the purpose of the present study was to assess, through a systematic review, whether there is evidence that the Feldenkrais Method improves balance in the elderly. A search was conducted using databases, but only studies that met all eligibility criteria were included. The results indicate that the Feldenkrais Method decreases the fear of falling and improves static balance. With regard to dynamic balance, there are discordant results between the studies. The present review also points out the need for further studies on this subject using more thorough methods.

Pilates, Mindfulness and Somatic Education.

The Pilates Method is a form of somatic education with the potential to cultivate mindfulness - a mental quality associated with overall well-being. However, controlled studies are needed to determine whether changes in mindfulness are specific to the Pilates Method or also result from other forms of exercise. This quasi-experimental study compared Pilates Method mat classes and recreational exercise classes on measures of mindfulness and well-being at the beginning, middle and end of a 15 week semester. Total mindfulness scores increased overall for the Pilates Method group but not for the exercise control group, and these increases were directly related to end of semester ratings of self-regulatory self-efficacy, perceived stress and mood. Findings suggest that the Pilates Method specifically enhances mindfulness, and these increases are associated with other measures of wellness. The changes in mindfulness identified in this study support the role of the Pilates Method in the mental well-being of its practitioners and its potential to support dancers' overall well-being.