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The Feldenkrais Method - A Systematic Review of Randomised Clinical Trials
Abstract
Objective: The Feldenkrais Method (FM) is being promoted for a range of medical conditions. This article is aimed at summarising and critically evaluating the results of randomised controlled trials of FM. Design: Systematic review; literature searches were carried out in 7 electronic databases. All randomised controlled trials of FM were included regardless of indication. No language restrictions were applied. The data were extracted and valuated by two independent reviewers. The methodological quality of the primary studies was assessed with the Jadad score. Setting: Academic centre, UK. Participants: All human volunteers participating in trials. Interventions: Not applicable. Results: Six studies met our inclusion criteria. They were all burdened with significant methodological weaknesses. The indications included multiple sclerosis, neck/shoulder problems and chronic back pain. All but one trial reported positive results. Conclusion: The evidence for the FM is encouraging but, due to the paucity and low quality of studies, by no means compelling.
... The Feldenkrais Method (FM) is a technique aiming at increasing personal self-knowledge through conscious movements, developed by the physicist Moshe Feldenkrais [1,2]. This method is based on the discovery and learning of varied, alternative patterns of movement and aims to improve the human ability to learn movement [3,4]. ...
... Previous systematic reviews have studied the effects of FM. The first of them was published in 2005 by Ernst and Canter [2], and it concluded that although there were some trials that supported the FM, the evidence published was not sufficient in quantity and quality to support the method robustly. The second systematic review was published in 2015 by Hillier and Worley [5], where the authors updated the first review and included a meta-analysis (MA), concluding that the trials about FM were very heterogeneous in terms of population, variables and results. ...
... To test this hypothesis, it is necessary to update the evidence about FM, focusing on its therapeutic potential within the scope of physical therapy. Therefore, the objectives of this systematic review and MA were (1) to identify the recent scientific evidence about FM and determine the populations and pathologies where FM could be employed as a physical therapy tool; (2) to analyze which of the two modalities of FM is more effective in physical therapy; (3) and to analyze the therapeutic effects obtained with the FM. ...
The Feldenkrais Method (FM) is based on the learning of alternative movement patterns, carried out in an active and conscious way, which may have therapeutic effects. The objective of this systematic review is to identify the populations and conditions for which the FM can be used in physiotherapy and to determine the intervention modalities. Research in PubMed, Cochrane and PEDro databases was performed. The PEDro scale was employed to assess the methodological quality. Meta-analyses (MA) were performed whenever populations and outcome measures were comparable in at least two studies. Sixteen studies were included. In elderly people, in three of the four selected trials, the FM group significantly improved gait, balance, mobility and quality of life. The MA showed significant differences between interventions in the Timed-Up-and-Go test [Cohen’s d = −1.14, 95% CI (−1.78, −0.49), p = 0.0006]. FM significantly improved pain, functional balance, and perceived exertion in three trials performed on subjects with cervical, dorsal, or shoulder pain. FM demonstrated improvements in pain, disability, quality of life and interoceptive awareness in the three trials performed in subjects with chronic low back pain. In multiple sclerosis, an improvement in functional capacity was observed in the two selected studies. The MA showed no significant differences between groups in the Function (p = 0.97) and Control (p = 0.82) dimensions of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale. In Parkinson’s disease, two studies showed significant effects on quality of life and functional tests. In conclusion, evidence shows that FM has therapeutic effects comparable to other physiotherapy techniques in patients with spine pain. In addition, improvements in mobility and balance were seen in the elderly and people with neurodegenerative diseases.
... 10 In addition, an earlier systematic review published by Ernst and Canter also concluded that there was favorable evidence but the credibility of the studies was lowered by less number of studies. 11 The above two systematic reviews specifically looked into the effectiveness, the nature and order of magnitude of beneficial effects following FM collectively on the elderly, and those with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. One of the greatest challenges of these reviews is that they do not focus on a particular population and that could be the reason definite conclusive results were not produced. ...
... 18 To our knowledge, in the past two decades, two systematic reviews have been seeking to determine the effect of Feldenkrais. 10,11 However, none of the reviews focused specifically on musculoskeletal disorders and FM. Hence, it is appropriate to systematically review on the evidence on FM on these special populations. ...
... These statements are in accord with earlier published two systematic reviews in the field of FM, in which authors suggested that there were positive changes with high risk of bias, with clinical heterogeneity between studies, thus tampering the results. 10,11 However, these reviews were carried out on a wide range of patients with different clinical conditions apart from musculoskeletal disorders. ...
Introduction: Feldenkrais method (FM) has been applied on a large number of people as an educational method to create awareness of themselves and of their own body postures. Despite several existing FM studies, there has not yet been a review of FM in the context of musculoskeletal disorders. Aim: This review aimed at determining the effect, type of exercises, duration and the outcome measure utilized in assessing the FM among individuals with neck and low back pain (LBP). Material and methods: Four databases were searched for eligible studies, which were published in the years 1999-2015. Two authors individually assessed selected studies. From a total of 165 articles, 3 articles were selected and another 1 article from other resources with a total of 4 articles. Results and discussion: The number of participants in all of the four included studies were 65.5. ±. 30.1 (mean. ±. SD). The quality of the studies that was assessed using Physiotherapy Evidence Databases (PEDro) scale revealed the score of at least 5/10. Evidence exists that FM may be used for treating musculoskeletal disorders. However, the studies were not enough to make a decision because of different selections of FM lessons, duration and outcome measures. The review also determined type of exercises and outcome utilized in assessing the benefit of FM. Conclusions: Overall, judging from the increasing number of articles in recent years related to FM, this review reports sufficient evidence that FM is increasingly being used in the management of neck pain and LBP.
... In the climate of evidence-based practice in the health domain, any approach being offered to the public is being scrutinized for evidence of effectiveness and, if effective, for what type of benefit and of what magnitude for any clinical population. An earlier systematic review of the evidence for the method was published in 2005 by Ernst and Canter [4]. This review included six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of low to moderate quality in populations such as people with multiple sclerosis, chronic low back pain, and neck issues. ...
... Fourteen new RCTs were included along with the original six studies from the Ernst and Canter [4] review. See Table 3 for details of all included studies. ...
... The findings of this updated review have strengthened since the 2005 review by Ernst and Canter [4]. We were also able to locate studies prior to 2005 that were not found by the original SR authors, presumably due to improved database access. ...
The Feldenkrais Method (FM) has broad application in populations interested in improving awareness, health, and ease of function. This review aimed to update the evidence for the benefits of FM, and for which populations. A best practice systematic review protocol was devised. Included studies were appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias approach and trial findings analysed individually and collectively where possible. Twenty RCTs were included (an additional 14 to an earlier systematic review). The population, outcome, and findings were highly heterogeneous. However, meta-analyses were able to be performed with 7 studies, finding in favour of the FM for improving balance in ageing populations (e.g., timed up and go test MD −1.14 sec, 95% CI −1.78, −0.49; and functional reach test MD 6.08 cm, 95% CI 3.41, 8.74). Single studies reported significant positive effects for reduced perceived effort and increased comfort, body image perception, and dexterity. Risk of bias was high, thus tempering some results. Considered as a body of evidence, effects seem to be generic, supporting the proposal that FM works on a learning paradigm rather than disease-based mechanisms. Further research is required; however, in the meantime, clinicians and professionals may promote the use of FM in populations interested in efficient physical performance and self-efficacy.
... The presence of these motor control and motor learning principles in the Feldenkrais Method (FM) [17] suggests that this approach may be a beneficial program for the ageing population. The FM is a movement re-education or rehabilitation approach developed by Moshe Feldenkrais that aims to increase the learner's consciousness of how the body performs tasks and to then move more efficiently [18]. ...
... Wildman [18] suggests that this process includes increasing awareness of where tension and pain are present in the body, and how inefficient movement patterns may contribute to the discomfort. Previous studies investigating the effectiveness of the FM have involved a wide variety of ages and diagnoses thus providing a sound base for further investigation [17]. However this systematic review found a lack of research in the ageing cohort [17], a group in need of increased physical activity levels. ...
... Previous studies investigating the effectiveness of the FM have involved a wide variety of ages and diagnoses thus providing a sound base for further investigation [17]. However this systematic review found a lack of research in the ageing cohort [17], a group in need of increased physical activity levels. In light of these findings there currently exists the need for quality research into the effectiveness of the FM and motor control principles to provide evidence for their use to improve or rehabilitate function in a healthy ageing cohort. ...
Participation in regular physical activity has a variety of health benefits including increased levels of function and independence for people who are ageing. The inclusion of motor learning principles into exercise programs is proposed to increase functional benefits. The presence of these principles in the Feldenkrais Method (FM) suggests this may be a beneficial program for the ageing population. Objective: A proof of concept study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of an eight week movement class based on the FM when compared to a generic balance class. Method: A pseudo-randomized controlled pilot study was conducted in an Australian community based organization of healthy people post-retirement, n=22. Self-perceived health and functional status were measured by the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) respectively. Objective functional assessment, by a blinded assessor, included the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Single Leg Stance time (SLS) and Walk on Floor Eyes Closed (WOFEC) measures. Results: There was a significant time effect for all measures except the WOFEC. Post hoc analysis demonstrated significant improvements for both the FM and generic groups in the SF-36, PSFS and FRT and for the FM group only in the SLS test. Conclusions: Classes based on the FM are effective in improving health and functional measures in a healthy ageing population, equally so with the generic class. Considerations for future research include a randomized controlled trial in a rehabilitation setting, with a larger sample size and appropriate measures to detect relevant change in functional levels.
... An intervention was chosen based on the Feldenkrais Method, a somatic education technique to increase body awareness, coordination, and control (Lundblad, Elert, & Gerdle, 1999;Buchanan & Ulrich, 2001) through the manipulation of attention during proscribed movements. It was developed by Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984Laumer, Bauer, Fichter, & Milz, 2004) and is based on the principle that correction of poor movement habits can lead to improved health (Ernst & Canter, 2005). This method highlights inefficient movements, and students are guided through alternative patterns of movement by promoting attention to sensory feedback and awareness of body schema and spatial relations (Buchanan & Ulrich, 2001;Ernst & Canter, 2005). ...
... It was developed by Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984Laumer, Bauer, Fichter, & Milz, 2004) and is based on the principle that correction of poor movement habits can lead to improved health (Ernst & Canter, 2005). This method highlights inefficient movements, and students are guided through alternative patterns of movement by promoting attention to sensory feedback and awareness of body schema and spatial relations (Buchanan & Ulrich, 2001;Ernst & Canter, 2005). When the student experiences the new movement patterns, it is hypothesized that new activation pathways are formed in the brain and a more efficient motor plan is created (Luypers, 1990). ...
... Students learn to move more skillfully and eliminate unnecessary muscular activity, enhancing activities of daily living and improving pain or discomfort (Bearman & Shafarman, 1999). Feldenkrais lessons can be performed individually, known as Functional Integration, or in groups, called Awareness Through Movement (Ernst & Canter, 2005). The former involves individuals being manually or verbally guided through movement patterns, whereas the latter consists of guiding the person through exploratory movement patterns in a group format. ...
The role of sensory awareness in movement control is receiving increasing interest in sports and clinical literature as a feed-forward and feedback mechanism. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and effect of training in sensory awareness on dexterity in healthy adults. 29 healthy students were randomly allocated to a single-group, sensory awareness lesson with the dominant hand, the same lesson with the nondominant hand, or to a sham control group. Dexterity measures included the Purdue Pegboard Test, a grip-lift manipulandum, and perceived changes using a questionnaire. The sensory awareness lesson with the dominant hand produced a statistically significant improvement in mean dexterity compared to the control group, but not between the other two pairs of groups. The sensory awareness training paradigm is feasible and a single session improved dexterity in healthy adults.
... Although none of the studies recruited more than 100 people, the power and accumulation of the results were deemed sufficient evidence to support the use of FM for improving balance, self-efficacy, body image, and dexterity as well as reducing pain and dysfunction (Hillier & Worley, 2015). Ernst (2019), one of the authors of the 2005 review (Ernst & Canter, 2005), revised his previous determination and stated some support exists for FM to be used with a variety of conditions such as chronic pain, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and balance issues. Additionally, the adverse effects were minimal (Ernst, 2019). ...
This was a descriptive, multiple case study on how Hanna Somatic Education is currently practiced.
... Yet, focusing on empirical investigations of the effects of practicing the method, the scenario seems more complex and less defined. Indeed, critical reviews of the available literature exploring the outcomes of protocols using Feldenkrais' techniques have highlighted that regular practice with the method (mainly by following regular group sessions of practice guided by an expert trainer) can reliably improve balance, especially in older adults, and likely leads to the reduced perceived effort while performing complex actions, improved range of motion and dexterity, decreased pain (even in chronic conditions), increased comfort while moving, and improved perception of the body image understood-according to Gallagher [10]-as the synthesis of perceptual, conceptual and emotional representation of the body [11][12][13]. Nonetheless, the review report also systematically underlines the high risk of bias presented by the available primary studies, as well as, in many cases, poorly reported methods. Such factors undermine the strength of reported results and of their interpretation. ...
While outcomes of embodied awareness practices in terms of improved posture and flexibility, movement efficiency, and well-being are often reported, systematic investigations of such training effects and of the actual nature, extent, and neurofunctional correlates of learning mechanisms thought to lie at the core of such practices are very limited. The present study focused on the Feldenkrais method (FM), one of the most established embodied awareness practices, and aimed at investigating the neurofunctional outcomes of the somatic learning process at the core of the method by testing the modulations induced by a standardized FM protocol on the complexity of practicers’ body structural map and on the activity of their sensorimotor network during different movement-related tasks (i.e., gestures observation, execution, and imagery). Twenty-five participants were randomly divided into an experimental group—which completed a 28-session FM protocol based on guided group practice—and a control group, and underwent pre-/post-training psychometric and electrophysiological assessment. Data analysis highlighted, at the end of the FM protocol, a significant increase of EEG markers of cortical activation (task-related mu desynchronization) in precentral regions during action observation and in central regions during action execution and imagery. Also, posterior regions of the sensorimotor network showed systematic activation during all the action-related tasks.
... There are two reviews assessing the effectiveness of the Feldenkreis-method (Ernst and Canter, 2005;Hillier and Worley, 2015). The more recent one reports 20 RCTs of which 13 showed a superiority of the Feldenkrais intervention compared to a control condition. ...
Feldenkrais ‘Functional Integration’ (FI) is a widely used type of body work with a focus on the continuous integration of body sensations and awareness with movement. The method is, amongst others, known for improving balance in aging populations, but also for its ability to relax muscles. With participants treated in the supine position FI is potentially changing the surface area of the body in contact with the surface on which a participant is lying. So far, no prior study has assessed this claim. We evaluated objectively and subjectively if a treatment with FI would induce changes in pressure and contact surface of the body on the mat. Thirty volunteers received an individual treatment with FI, in a randomized order on both sides of the body. Pressure and contact surface was documented with the Xsensor-Measurement-System. Subjective sensations were assessed with a self-report scale. Due to two parallel assessments alpha-level was adjusted to [alpha] = 0.025. We found that pressure and contact surface of the body on the mat significantly changed after the treatment (factor time: p < 0.0001, [eta]2p = 0.90). We also found that pressure and contact surface increased significantly on the left side for the group that started with the left side first (time × group p = 0.016; [eta]2p = 0.62), but less so on the right side for the group that started with the right side first (time × group: p = 0.056) although there was still a substantial effect size ([eta]2p = 0.54). The subjective reports confirmed the physical measurements. In conclusion our results demonstrate for the first time that the treatment with the Feldenkrais method changes muscle tone leading to a more relaxed supine position with respect to pressure and contact surface on the mat.
... There are two reviews assessing the effectiveness of the Feldenkreis-method (Ernst and Canter, 2005;Hillier and Worley, 2015). The more recent one reports 20 RCTs of which 13 showed a superiority of the Feldenkrais intervention compared to a control condition. ...
Feldenkrais ‘Functional Integration’ (FI) is a widely used type of body work with a focus on the continuous integration of body sensations and awareness with movement. The method is, amongst others, known for improving balance in aging populations, but also for its ability to relax muscles. With participants treated in the supine position FI is potentially changing the surface area of the body in contact with the surface on which a participant is lying. So far, no prior study has assessed this claim. We evaluated objectively and subjectively if a treatment with FI would induce changes in pressure and contact surface of the body on the mat. Thirty volunteers received an individual treatment with FI, in a randomized order on both sides of the body. Pressure and contact surface was documented with the Xsensor-Measurement-System. Subjective sensations were assessed with a self-report scale. Due to two parallel assessments alpha-level was adjusted to α = 0.025. We found that pressure and contact surface of the body on the mat significantly changed after the treatment (factor time: p < 0.0001, ηp2 = 0.90). We also found that pressure and contact surface increased significantly on the left side for the group that started with the left side first (time × group p = 0.016; ηp2 = 0.62), but less so on the right side for the group that started with the right side first (time × group: p = 0.056) although there was still a substantial effect size (ηp2 = 0.54). The subjective reports confirmed the physical measurements. In conclusion our results demonstrate for the first time that the treatment with the Feldenkrais method changes muscle tone leading to a more relaxed supine position with respect to pressure and contact surface on the mat.
... Näyttö on rohkaisevaa, mutta ei vielä riittävää johtuen tutkimusten vähäisyydestä sekä heikosta laadusta. (Ernst & Canter 2005.) 2004, 133-135.) ...
Background: Physiotherapists use various ways to stretch tightened muscles like ballistic, dynamic, passive, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, static stretching. Awareness through movement is a somatic educational system. The Method is experiential, providing tools for self-observation through movement enquiry. There has been limited study of this approach to hamstring muscle lengthening. Methodology: 60 Subjects with hamstring tightness between the ages of 15-25 years were included in the study. Subjects with active knee extension of 165 degrees or less were considered as a part of the study.Subjects performing any form of exercise like yoga, self-stretching or exercising in a gym or with orthopedic conditions were excluded. 3 groups of 20 each were randomly taken. Group A was given stretching by "awareness through movement". Group B was administered passivestretching & Group C was the control group. Results& Conclusion: Repeated measures ANOVA was used for intra group analysis. One-way ANOVA & post HOC analysis was performed for inter group analysis. Both the techniques were effective in lengthening of the hamstring muscles. Improvement was seen in both group in terms of the intervention and the long term effect.Passive stretching had a slightly more prolonged effect as compared to awareness through movement.
Background
Impairments in body awareness are common after stroke and are associated with decreased participation and performance in everyday activities.
Objectives
To explore the feasibility and safety of a body awareness program after stroke, and identify the preliminary efficacy of class-based lessons compared to home-based lessons on sensation, body awareness, motor impairment and quality of life.
Methods
A two-armed pilot randomized controlled trial with a nested qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Individuals with a diagnosis of stroke (at least three months post injury) were randomized to either class-based face-to-face body awareness lessons or home-based individually performed body awareness lessons. Outcome measures were safety, feasibility, sensation, body awareness, motor impairment, self-efficacy and quality of life. Semi-structured interviews were used to allow greater exploration and understanding of participants’ experience of the program.
Results
Twenty participants were randomized, 16 participants completed the program. Feasibility was greater in the class-based group. No adverse events were detected. The class-based group led to improvement in body awareness (p = 0.002), quality of life (p = 0.002), and the arm (p = 0.025) and leg (p = 0.005) motor impairment scores. Qualitative data similarly indicated that the class-based group experienced a stronger sense of awareness, achievement and connection than the home-based group.
Conclusions
Body awareness training was safe, feasible and acceptable in people with stroke. Individuals in the class-based group showed greater benefit compared to those receiving home-based therapy.
The Feldenkrais method (FM) is a process that uses verbally and manually guided exploration of novel movements to improve individuals’ self-awareness and coordination. This paper reviews recent literature evaluating the therapeutic value of the FM for improving balance, mobility, and coordination and its effectiveness for management of chronic pain. The authors also explore and discuss studies that have investigated some of the other bodily effects and possible mechanisms of action, such as (a) the process of learning itself, (b) focus of attention during motor learning, (c) autonomic regulation, and (d) body image. They found that research clearly supports the effectiveness of the FM for improvement of balance and chronic pain management. The exploration into mechanisms of action raises interesting questions and possibilities for further investigation.
Zusammenfassung
Bei der Feldenkrais®-Methode handelt es sich um ein nach dem Begründer Moshé Feldenkrais benanntes bewegungsorientiertes Lernverfahren. Die Methode schult die eigene Haltungs- und Bewegungswahrnehmung und soll so dazu beitragen, die Durchführung von Bewegungen und/oder die Position der Haltung im Alltag und Arbeitsplatz zu reflektieren und nachfolgend zu erleichtern bzw. ökonomisieren. Arbeitsbezogene Schmerzen, Fehlhaltungen oder Muskelspannungsstörungen können dadurch reduziert werden. Der Beitrag stellt diese Methode vor.
The Getting Grounded Gracefully program, based on the Awareness Through Movement lessons of the Feldenkrais method, was designed to improve balance and function in older people. Fifty-five participants (mean age 75, 85% women) were randomized to an intervention (twice-weekly group classes over 8 wk) or a control group (continued with their usual activity) after being assessed at baseline and then reassessed 8 wk later. Significant improvement was identified for the intervention group relative to the control group using ANOVA between-groups repeated-measures analysis for the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale score (p = .003) and gait speed (p = .028), and a strong trend was evident in the timed up-and-go (p = .056). High class attendance (88%) and survey feedback indicate that the program was viewed positively by participants and might therefore be acceptable to other older people. Further investigation of the Getting Grounded Gracefully program is warranted.
Tenants in retirement housing given a 6-week program of feldenkrais exercises were compared with a group given conventional
exercises and with control groups given no exercises. Analysis of covariance of preliminary and subsequent measurements failed
to yield any significant differences between groups. Measurements included height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, balance,
flexibility, morale, self-perceived health status and level of performance of activities of daily living, also the number
of body parts difficult to move or giving rise to pain. Several possible reasons are given for the results. Attention is drawn
to the necessity of medically screening and monitoring elderly registrants for exercise programs since it is apparent that
some sign up who should not.
It has been suggested that the quality of clinical trials should be assessed by blinded raters to limit the risk of introducing bias into meta-analyses and systematic reviews, and into the peer-review process. There is very little evidence in the literature to substantiate this. This study describes the development of an instrument to assess the quality of reports of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in pain research and its use to determine the effect of rater blinding on the assessments of quality. A multidisciplinary panel of six judges produced an initial version of the instrument. Fourteen raters from three different backgrounds assessed the quality of 36 research reports in pain research, selected from three different samples. Seven were allocated randomly to perform the assessments under blind conditions. The final version of the instrument included three items. These items were scored consistently by all the raters regardless of background and could discriminate between reports from the different samples. Blind assessments produced significantly lower and more consistent scores than open assessments. The implications of this finding for systematic reviews, meta-analytic research and the peer-review process are discussed.
Based on the movement-pedagogical concept of Feldenkrais and the findings of disturbed body perception by eating disordered patients this research aimed at studying the therapeutical effects of the Feldenkrais Method 'Awareness through Movement' with eating disorder patients. 15 eating disordered patients treated at the Roseneck hospital for behavioural medicine rated - by means of a questionnaire consisting of scales of the Body Cathexis Scale (BCS), the Body Parts Satisfaction Scale (BPSS), the questionnaire for body perception (Fragebogen zum Korpererleben; FKE), the Emotion Inventory (Emotionalitatsinventar; EMI-B), the Anorexia-Nervosa-Inventory for Self-rating (ANIS) and the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI) - various aspects of their eating disorder before and after participating in a nine hour course of the Feldenkrais Method. The data of these patients were compared to those of the members of a control group, also consisting of 15 eating disordered patients who did not participate in a Feldenkrais course. The participants of the Feldenkrais-course showed increasing contentment with regard to problematic zones of their body and their own health as well as concerning acceptance and familiarity with their own body. Other results were a more spontaneous, open and self-confident behaviour, the decrease of feelings of helplessness and decrease of the wish to return to the security of the early childhood, which indicates the development of felt sense of self, self-confidence and a general process of maturation of the whole personality. The outcome points to the therapeutical effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method with eating-disorder patients within a multimodal treatment program.
This short-term study examined the effectiveness of the Feldenkrais method of functional integration and of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) compared with the standard medical treatment during the acute phase after myocardial infarction. Three patient groups (n = 20 each) received 1 of 3 treatment options: 2 sessions of Feldenkrais therapy, 2 sessions of PMR, or no intervention. Evaluations using quantitative and qualitative methods were performed an average of 3.7 and 7.8 days after subjects' myocardial infarction, respectively. Significant improvements, independent of the intervention, were found over the evaluation period in the Perception of Body Dynamics body image scale and in the Physical Well-Being and Emotional Well-Being quality-of-life scales. A statistically significant, differential effect of any one intervention with respect to the control group did not arise in any of the quantitative questionnaire variables examined. However, subjective improvements of varying description were noted by ...
A preliminary study was undertaken to determine both the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method for treatment of Medicaid recipients with chronic pain at the Santa Barbara Regional Health Authority (SBRHA). SBRHA staff wished to offer treatment for chronic pain patients beyond what is provided for in the Medicaid scope of benefits. Conventional intensive chronic pain treatment programs costs range from 30,000 and are not covered by regular Medicaid benefits. Patients with chronic headaches and/or musculoskeletal problems were enrolled in the study. Seven patients began the program; all completed it. Patient satisfaction, function and perception of pain were evaluated by using the National Pain Data Bank (NPDB) protocol of the American Academy of Pain Management. Participants reported more mobility and decreased perception of pain, both immediately after the program and in a one-year follow-up questionnaire. Results compared quite favourably with NPDB comparison groups. Cost effectiveness calculations were based on Medicaid costs for one-year periods pre- and post-intervention. Patient costs dropped from an average of 82 per month. This represents a 40 % savings.
The present study aimed to investigate whether physiotherapy or Feldenkrais interventions resulted in a reduction of complaints from the neck and shoulders (prevalence, pain intensity, sick leave, and disability in leisure and work roles) in 97 female industrial workers (not on long-term sick leave). Range of motion of neck and shoulders, VO2, endurance score (i.e., summation of pain intensity ratings during a static shoulder flexion), cortical control according to the Feldenkrais methodology, and physiological capacity according to a dynamic endurance test of the shoulder flexors with simultaneous surface EMG were also recorded. The workers were randomized to: (1) physiotherapy group (PT-group; treatment according to the ergonomic program of the PTs of the occupational health care service), (2) Feldenkrais group (F-group; education according to the Feldenkrais methodology), or (3) control group (C-group; no intervention). Pre- and post-tests were made at one-year intervals. The two interventions lasted 16 weeks during paid working time. The F-group showed significant decreases in complaints from neck and shoulders and in disability during leisure time. The two other groups showed no change (PT-group) or worsening of complaints (C-group). The present study showed significant positive changes in complaints after the Feldenkrais intervention but not after the physiotherapy intervention. Possible mechanisms behind the effects in the F-group are discussed.
Feldenkrais methods appear to be gaining popularity and utilization by physical therapists. The need for scientific justification of their usage is indicated. The purpose of this study was to quantify the results of a Feldenkrais method-Awareness Through Movement-involving a neck flexion task. The study examined 30 normal subjects to determine if a Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement sequence would result in an increase in neck flexion range of motion and if the subjects would indicate a significantly lower level of perceived effort posttest. Measurements of range of motion were taken using a gravity-based cervical range of motion goniometer. The subjects recorded their perceived efforts on a visual analogue scale. The range of motion data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA. The visual analogue scale data were analyzed with a Mann-Whitney U test. The data supported both hypotheses. Based on these findings, further investigation of Feldenkrais methods in the treatment of patients appears warranted. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1992;16(1):25-29.
The Authors show two neuromuscular release methods employed in the treatment of cranio-cervico-mandibular syndrome; these methods work at the place of origin of the pathology resolving the symptoms in different districts of the body.
To determine whether a course of Feldenkrais bodywork would result in significant improvement in physical, mood symptoms and functioning in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients beyond the effects observed using a sham condition (nontherapeutic bodywork).
The bodywork method used was the Feldenkrais method. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups in a crossover design to control for order effects of treatment. Half of the subjects received 8 weeks of sham sessions followed by 8 weeks of Feldenkrais sessions. The other half of the subjects received Feldenkrais sessions first and then sham. All subjects completed the outcome measures prior to the first course of treatment, in between Feldenkrais and sham, and at study completion.
Participants were recruited from a regional MS clinic and were administered bodywork treatment and outcome measures in a bodywork practitioner's office.
Twenty individuals with clinically definite MS and disability status scores between 2.0 and 6.0 participated.
Nine-hole pegboard test of hand dexterity, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, MS self-efficacy scale, MS Symptom Inventory, MS Performance Scales, and the Perceived Stress Scale.
The only significant differences were observed for perceived stress and lowered anxiety after Feldenkrais sessions. There were nonsignificant trends toward higher self-efficacy after both Feldenkrais and sham sessions. MS symptoms, levels of functional ability, and upper extremity performance were not affected by Feldenkrais or sham sessions.
This article outlines the theoretical options for research funding for complementary medicine in Britain. Sponsorship from the National Health Service, the Medical Research Council, Medical Research Charities, the industry and private donations constitute the main potential sources. Surveys of the actual funding spent by these sources are evaluated. The data thus generated suggest that funds for research into complementary medicine are not readily available in the UK. Several suggestions are made to ameliorate this situation and the case for 'ring-fenced' funding is put forward, not least on the basis of international experience.