The experience of the psychiatric interview following self-harm: factors which influence this experience and the potential impact of it

A proportion of individuals who are seen at accident and emergency following deliberate self-harm (DSH) are admitted to the medical wards where they are psychiatrically assessed. This exploratory study investigated the interaction between the psychiatrist who conducts this interview and the patient. A sample of 60 DSH patients were seen immediately following their interview with the psychiatrist. They completed questionnaires which assessed personality disturbance and were asked questions regarding their experience of the interview. At the same time the psychiatrist completed parallel measures which assessed their experience of the interview. The comparison group consisted of 30 new Psychology out-patients. They were recruited and assessed in the same way as the experimental group. It was predicted that personality disorder / disintegration would be associated with poorer therapeutic alliance and a repetition of particular patterns of interactions (including avoidance, hostility or rescue). If demonstrated this would support the hypothesis that the experience of the psychiatric interview may inadvertently perpetuate the individual's view of the interpersonal world, which could then increase their likelihood of further dysfunctional coping and decrease the likelihood of them gaining constructive mental health.The study also investigated the attitudes of staff working with this client group. Based on previous research it was predicted that staff would hold quite negative attitudes about deliberate self-harm. Within its theoretical framework, the study considered how such attitudes may be present and how they may contribute to the interaction patterns described above

Evolving protocols for research in equitation science

Within the emerging discipline of Equitation Science the application of consistent methodology, including robust objective measures, is required for sound scientific evaluation. This report aims to provide an evaluation of current methodology and to propose some initial guidelines for future research. The value of research, especially that involving small sample sizes, can be enhanced by the application of consistent methodology and reporting enabling results to be compared across studies. This paper includes guidelines for experimental design in studies involving the ridden horse. Equine ethograms currently used are reviewed and factors to be considered in the development of a riddenhorse ethogram are evaluated. An assessment of methods used to collect behavioral and physiological data is included and the use of equipment for measurements (e.g., rein-tension and pressure-sensing instruments) is discussed. Equitation science is a new discipline, subject to evolving viewpoints on research foci and design. Technological advances may improve the accuracy and detail of measurements, but must be used within appropriate and valid experimental designs

Is visual search strategy different between level of judo coach when acquiring visual information from the preparation phase of judo contests?

Judo contests are complex situations for coaches observing them. Identifying where judo coaches look (i.e. their visual search strategy) when observing contests can help identify visual information they may use to inform coaching decisions. The current exploratory study investigated the visual search strategies of elite, sub-elite, and non-judo coaches when observing the preparation phase (viewed from video footage) of elite-level judo contests. Participants' eye movements were recorded using a mobile eye-tracker. Participants were instructed to provide verbal coaching instructions to improve a specified judoka's (judo athlete) performance at set times during the footage. Elite coaches fixated significantly more frequently and longer on the specified judoka's upper body (p < 0.05) compared to the opponent's upper body and other key areas within the display. Sub-elite and non-judo coaches demonstrated no significant difference in the frequency or overall length of fixation between the judokas' upper bodies. The visual search strategy of elite judo coaches may have been a purposeful attempt to obtain accurate information about the judoka's attacking intentions early within the contest. This visual search strategy can be attributed to elite judokas' attempting to disguise their attacking intentions. Furthermore, elite coaches may have used the specified judoka's upper body as a visual pivot

Postural characteristics of female dressage riders using 3D motion analysis and the effects of an athletic taping technique: A randomised control trial

Objectives To observe postural characteristics of female dressage riders, through application of three-dimensional motion analysis and to assess the effects of athletic taping on postural asymmetry during sitting trot. Design Randomised cross-over. Setting Data collection took place at Myerscough Agricultural College in an indoor riding area. Participants Ten healthy female experienced dressage riders participated. Main outcome measurements Movement kinematics of the trunk and pelvis, pre and post taping intervention. Results Riders presented pre-intervention with asymmetric movement characteristics through dynamic observation of trunk and pelvic postures during sitting trot. A significant increase (p=<0.05) in the range (°) of trunk lateral-flexion following tape intervention applied over the thoracic spine. Conclusion This study supports the quantification of dynamic postural characteristics of dressage athletes by three-dimensional motion analysis. Asymmetrical postures occur within dressage riders when performing sitting trot. The application of tape to ‘align’ asymmetry altered riders’ postures. Taping over the thoracic region resulted in a compensatory increase in motion through the lumbar region. Clinicians should approach the application of postural taping with an awareness of the restrictive mechanisms of tape. Findings may help clinicians determine whether technique/type of tape applied is suitable for achieving marginal gains in the alignment of posture in competitive dressage athletes