Towards a Phenomenological Theory of the Visceral in the Interactive Arts

This is a digitised version of a thesis that was deposited in the University Library. If you are the author and you have a query about this item please contact PEARL Admin ([email protected])Metadata merged with duplicate record (http://hdl.handle.net/10026.1/2319) on 20.12.2016 by CS (TIS).This thesis explores the ways in which certain forms of interactive art may and do elicit visceral responses. The term "visceral" refers to the cardiovascular, respiratory, uro-genital and especially excretory systems that affect mind and body on a continuum of awareness. The "visceral" is mentioned in the field of interactive arts, but it remains systematically unexplored and undefined. Further, interactive artworks predominantly focus on the exteroceptive (stimuli from outside) rather than the interoceptive (stimuli arising within the body, especially the viscera) senses. The existentialist phenomenology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty forms the basis for explorations of the visceral dimension of mind/body. New approaches to understanding interactive art, design and the mind/body include: attunements to the world; intertwinings of mind/body, technology and world; and of being in the world. Each artwork within utilizes a variation of the phenomenological methods derived from Merl eau-Ponty's; these are discussed primarily in Chapters One and Three. Because subjective, first-person, experiences are a major aspect of a phenomenological approach, the academic writing is interspersed with subjective experiences of the author and others. This thesis balances facets of knowledge from diverse disciplines that account for visceral phenomena and subjective experience. Along with the textual exegesis, one major work of design and two major works of art were created. These are documented on the compact disc (CDROM) bound within. As an essential component of each artwork, new technological systems were created or co-created by the author. User surveys comprise Appendices Two, Three and Four, and are also online at: www. sfu. ca/-dgromala/thesis. To access the URL: login as , and use the password . Numerous talks, exhibitions and publications that directly relate to the thesis work is in Appendix One. This work begins with an introduction to Merleau-Ponty's ideas of flesh and reversibility. Chapter Two is the review of the literature, while Chapter Three is an explication of the hypothesis, an overview of the field, and a framing of the problem. Discussions of each artwork are in Chapter Four (The Meditation Chamber), Chapter Five (BioMorphic Typography) and Chapter Six (The MeatBook). Chapter Seven forms the conclusion. References to the documentation on the CD are found throughout the thesis, and italicized paragraphs provide an artistic context for each chapter

Efficacy of a Physical Activity Counselling Program with Use of Wearable Tracker in People with Inflammatory Arthritis : A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives. To assess the efficacy of a multi-faceted counselling intervention at improving physical activity participation and patient outcomes. Methods. We recruited people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In Weeks 1-8, the Immediate Group received education and counselling by a physiotherapist (PT), used a Fitbit and a web-application to obtain feedback about their physical activity, and received 4 follow-up calls from the PT. The Delay Group received the same intervention in Weeks 10-17. Participants were assessed at baseline, Week 9, 18 and 27. Primary outcome was time spent in moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA; in bouts of >10 mins) measured with a SenseWear. Secondary outcomes included step count, time in sedentary behaviour, pain, fatigue, mood, self management capacity, and habitual behaviours. Results. 118 participants enrolled. The adjusted mean difference in MVPA was 9.4 mins/day (95% CI: -0.5, 19.3, P=0.06). A significant effect was found in pain (-2.45; 95% CI: -4.78, -0.13, P=0.04), and perceived walking habit (0.54; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.99, P=0.02). The remaining secondary outcomes improved, but were not statistically significant. Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant effect in MVPA (14.3 mins/day; 95% CI: 2.3, 26.3) and pain (-4.05; 95% CI: -6.73, -1.36) in participants with RA, but not those with SLE. Conclusion. Counselling by a PT has potential to improve physical activity in people with inflammatory arthritis, but further study is needed to understand the intervention effect on different diseases. We found a significant improvement in pain, suggesting the intervention might have a positive effect on symptom management.Medicine, Faculty ofNon UBCMedicine, Department ofOccupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Department ofPhysical Therapy, Department ofReviewedFacultyResearcherPostdoctora