Health-related Outcomes of the Feldenkrais Method in Children and Adults: State of the Art and Future Perspectives.

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Design:
The study type of the included studies
(N=38) varied (Figure 3):
Case studies (n=5)
Trials no control group (n=5)
Controlled trials (n=6)
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs,
n=22)
Nine of the 22 RCTs enrolled between 50
to 97 subjects; all other RCTs were
smaller
For references of Feldenkrais studies contact: Gerhild Ullmann, ullmann1@memphis.edu
The Feldenkrais (FK)
Method is a
contemporary mind -
body exercise with
two techniques:
Health-related Outcomes of the Feldenkrais Method
State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Gerhild Ullmann, School of Public Health, University of Memphis
ullmann1@memphis.org
Introduction
Objectives
Methods
References
Conclusions
Data Sources:
Searches were performed using
•PubMed
•PsycInfo
•Google Scholar &
•Scopus
In addition, previous Feldenkrais
reviews were screened.
Figure 5: Effects of Feldenkrais Interventions on
Physical Function (PHF), Cognitive Function
(CF), & Pain (P), Body Image (BI) & Quality of
Life (QoL)
Figure 4: Outcome Areas of the included studies
Results I
Searches generated 194 publications.
Based on Scopus searches:
Most studies were conducted in the
U.S. (Figure 1)
Most covered topics related to
Medicine, Health & Performing Arts
(Figure 2)
Body of Feldenkrais research:
Safe method in diverse populations (all ages, healthy & clinical populations)
Significantly improved physical functions (mobility, flexibility, balance) & falls efficacy
Improved cognitive function, QoL, mood & reduced symptoms of depression
Reduced pain
Methodological weakness of some studies:
Blinding of participants & practitioners is difficult
Benefits are subjective in nature or self-reported
Individualized nature of FI challenges replication
Participants:
1,233 individuals participated in the
studies
Sample Characteristics of the Studies
(Figure 4):
People with pain or discomfort: Back or
neck pain, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia (n=10)
People with neurological
disorders/conditions: Multiple sclerosis,
Parkinson’s disease, stroke (n=5)
Healthy older adults (n=5)
Adults & students (n=11)
Future research: Large scale studies are needed employing more
rigorous methods and
Address specific health challenges (back pain, mild symptoms of
depression, mild cognitive impairment)
Examine benefits for specific populations such as children,
individuals with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease
Investigate of the mechanisms of the effects
Compare Feldenkrais with other modalities (including cost analyses)
Discussion
The purpose of this review is to
describe:
•Current stage of FK research
•What health conditions can be
addressed with FK?
•What are the cost of FK?
The FK teacher guides students through
a sequence of movements either
verbally (ATM) or with a gentle, and non-
invasive touch (FI).
FK was developed by Dr. M. Feldenkrais
has been widely used in the performing
arts and is gaining popularity in clinical
settings and by individuals with chronic
diseases.
46%
18%
10%
9%
6%
5% 4% 2%
Figure 2: Subject Areas Medicine
Health
Professions
Arts & Humanities
Social Sciences
Psychology
Neuroscience
Nursing
Dentistry
010 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
United States
Australia
Germany
United Kingdom
Sweden
Israel
Poland
Canada
France
Brazil
Figure 1: Number of Publications
Awareness
Through
Movement (ATM) -
group method
Functional Integration (FI): one-to-
one learning process
23
3
6
4
7
3
4
2
6
Physical Function
Cognitive Function
Pain
Body Image
Quality of Life
Self-Efficacy
Anxiety
Hand Dexterity
Depression/Mood
Study Selection II:
Included Health-Related Feldenkrais
Studies:
•Case studies
•Trials with and without controls
•Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
Excluded:
•Survey studies
•Reviews
•Commentaries, descriptive studies &
content analysis
•Mixed Interventions
Methods
Study Selection I:
Included all Scopus searches
Results II
0 5 10 15 20 25
Case Studies
Pre/Post no Control
Controlled Trial (CT)
Randomized CT
Results II
Figure 3: Design of Health-Related Studies (N=38)
Figure 6: Effects of Feldenkrais Interventions on
Self-Efficacy (SE), Anxiety (A), Hand Dexterity (HD),
Depression/Mood (DP) & Falls Efficacy (FE)
5
0111
18
3
536
0
5
10
15
20
25
PHF CF PBI QoL
No Change Positive Change
2
3
1
2
0
1
1
1
4
3
0
2
4
6
SE AHD DP FE
No Change Positive Change
Cost of ATMs (group):
•U.S. Non Metro Areas: $10 - $15; New York ATM:
$18 - $25, pay what you can
•Berlin: €8 -12
Cost of FIs (one-to-one) depending on area &
expertise:
•U.S.: $60 -$150
•Berlin: €45, €54, €60, €70
Feldenkrais for Children with
Cerebral palsy (Shelhav, 1987)
Learning disabilities (Shelhav, 1995)
Special needs (Wright, 1996; Shelhav, 1999) such as severe learning difficulties, autism,
down syndrome, hyperactivity)
Improvements after Feldenkrais interventions (ATMs and/or FIs):
Motor coordination, flexibility, coordination, body awareness, balance & posture
Awareness of self and others, self-esteem, peer interaction
Attention, motivation, perception, persistency, abstract thinking, showing an interest &
taking the initiative
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