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Feldenkrais Method® and Aging Well and Improving Balance
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Aging Well and Improving Balance
Effects of a Feldenkrais-Based Mobility Program on Function of a Healthy, Elderly Sample
Submitted to the Department of Physical Therapy at Grand Valley State University Allendale, Michigan in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICAL THERAPY 1996
Barbara Brown, Grand Valley State University, Susan Finney, Grand Valley State University,
Carolyn Sarantakis, Grand Valley State University
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1262&context=theses
The purpose of this study was to explore whether a program of mobility exercises, based on the Feldenkrais Method, would result in an increase in range of motion and function, as measured by the Functional Reach (FR), modified Functional Reach (modified FR), and Timed "Up and Go" tests. … it was discovered that participation in a six week program of spinal, pelvic, shoulder, hip, and ankle mobility exercises, based on the Feldenkrais Method, resulted in significant improvements in right ankle dorsiflexion and the Timed "Up and Go" test.
IFF Feldenkrais Research Journal, Volume 5
Madeleine Edgar, Dip. Phty., Feldenkrais Practitioner®, Private Practice, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, Greg Anderson, BE, Graduate Student, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia, Neil Tuttle, PhD, Senior Lecturer, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Queensland, Australia
http://iffresearchjournal.org/volume/5/edgar-et-al
This investigation examined the impact of a 12-week series of Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement (ATM®) classes on the functional ability, quality of life and kinesiophobia of a group of active retirees.
... There was a significant change in the PSFS [patient specific functional scale] after the twelve-week program ... Functional limitations were improved following a 12-week period of Feldenkrais ATM classes.
Feldenkrais Movement Lessons Improve Older Adults' Awareness, Comfort, and Function.
Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine Volume 3: 1–9, August 2017
Carolyn F. Palmer, Vassar College
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5560512/pdf/10.1177_2333721417724014.pdf
This prospective controlled intervention study assessed Feldenkrais ... movement lessons for older adults. The movement groups took twelve 60-min lessons across either 6 or 12 weeks, to compare lesson density. Pretests and posttests included Base of Support, Timed Up and Go, Tandem Stance, Functional Reach, modified OPTIMAL, and questions about individual priorities and outcomes. Results included significant correlations between lessons attended and both improved Functional Reach and improved OPTIMAL score. A significantly higher proportion of the movement (vs. control) group reported positive changes at the posttest in both prioritized and newly identified activities. These results show that Feldenkrais lessons are helpful to older adults for promoting balance, mobility, and confidence.
International Feldenkrais Federation (IFF), Research Journal Volume 2
James Stephens PT, PhD, Temple University; Christopher Pendergast BA, MPT, Widener University;
Robert Scott Weiskittel BS, MPT, Widener University; Beth Ann Roller BA, MPT, Widener University
http://iffresearchjournal.org/volume/2/stephens
As people age there is increased risk of a variety of problems such as falling, injury, loss of mobility, social isolation and depression. The Healthy People 2010 report has placed a new emphasis on quality of life and overall well being as opposed to longevity. ... In 1949, Moshe Feldenkrais suggested that some of these problems may be the result of learning less than optimal habits and postural responses and could be corrected by a process of exploratory relearning of basic movement skills. He developed a method of teaching called Awareness Through Movement for this purpose. This teaching process can be used with large groups of people and even made available thru broadcast media. Several studies in recent years have documented that use of Awareness Through Movement can produce improvements in mobility and balance in well elderly populations. The objective of this study was to assess the hypothesis that an Awareness Through Movement training program would produce improvements in coordination, mobility, economy of movement and quality of life.
Feldenkrais Method Balance Classes Improve Balance in Older Adults: A Controlled Trial
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2011
Karol A. Connors, Mary P. Galea and Catherine M. Said, School of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2011/873672/
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/b66525_20008fff2c94416385c334be4c78e259.pdf
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Feldenkrais Method balance classes on balance and mobility in older adults. ... sample of 26 community-dwelling older adults (median age 75 years) attending Feldenkrais Method balance classes ... two classes per week for 10 weeks, were conducted. ... the Intervention group showed significant improvement on all of the measures ... These findings suggest that Feldenkrais Method balance classes may improve mobility and balance in older adults.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol 16, 2010
Gerhild Ullmann The University of Memphis, Harriet G Williams University of South Carolina, Bruce A Mcclenaghan University of South Carolina, John L Durstine University of South Carolina
Falls and fall-related injuries are a major public health concern, a financial challenge for health care providers, and critical issues for older adults. Poor balance and limited mobility are major risk factors for falls. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of Feldenkrais exercises in improving balance, mobility, and balance confidence in older adults. ... The FG group attended a 5-week Feldenkrais program, 60 minutes three times per week, ... participants of the FG group showed improvements in balance confidence (p = 0.054) and mobility while performing concurrently a cognitive task (p = 0.067). These results indicate that Feldenkrais exercises are an effective way to improve balance and mobility, and thus offer an alternative method to help offset age-related declines in mobility and reduce the risk of falling among community-dwelling older adults.
Physiotherapy Journal
Karol A. Connors, Mary P. Galea, Cathy M. Said, Louisa J. Remedios
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/b66525_3dc9caf331ae45c1bcf5b4bb73ff6a6c.pdf
Feldenkrais Method balance classes have been found to be effective in improving balance in recent studies, but there has been little research into possible mechanisms behind the effectiveness of these classes. Indeed, there has been little research into the content of any balance training classes. Objectives To analyse the content of a series of Feldenkrais Method balance classes to gain an understanding of how the results in these studies may have been achieved and the principles through which the method may be effective.
Getting Grounded Gracefully©: Effectiveness and Acceptability of Feldenkrais in Improving Balance.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2009 Freda Vrantsidis, Keith D. Hill, Kirsten Moore, Robert Webb, Susan Hunt, and Leslie Dowson
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/b66525_5102b7bf7f9d44a6a6b9793aab67cd12.pdf
Same article with trial data found in a different location:
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2009 Freda Vrantsidis, Keith D. Hill, Kirsten Moore, Robert Webb, Susan Hunt, and Leslie Dowson
http://www.humankinetics.com/acucustom/sitename/Documents/DocumentItem/16027.pdf
Robert Webb contact web site with list of 16 lessons: https://www.gettinggroundedgracefully.com/the-lessons
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 ... 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.
The Open Rehabilitation Journal, 2010, 3, 62-66
Susan Hillier, Louise Porter , Kate Jackson and John Petkov (University of South Australia)
https://benthamopen.com/contents/pdf/TOREHJ/TOREHJ-3-62.pdf
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. ... 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.
The Feldenkrais Method® as an Essential Adjunct to Physical Therapy
A White Paper by Paul McAndrew, Physical Therapist, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner
Patients are often unaware that the Feldenkrais Method (FM) offers a nonaddictive, noninvasive, and often relatively low-cost therapeutic approach for balance disorders, persistent pain, and mobility and coordination challenges. Where traditional physical therapy (PT) emphasizes standardized treatment for particular diagnoses, FM draws on the neurological bases of the developmental process and creates customized “learning how to learn” lessons that improve and expand one’s movement repertoire. This paper explores the method through research literature, practitioner theory, and my observations as a long-time provider and teacher of both FM and PT.
by Georgios Fthenos and Danielle Hryniewicz
in Best Practices in the Prevention of Mid-life Falls in Everyday Activities
Final Report to the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (Pages 178 - 196 discuss Feldenkrais)
Richard Volpe, PhD University of Toronto 2014
http://www.oninjuryresources.ca/downloads/news/MidlifeFalls_Final.pdf
Falls are a significant public health problem that is increasingly being addressed by community-based interventions. Until recently, research in the field of fall prevention has focused on our aging population, and little attention has been given to mid-life adults. This is currently an understudied and neglected area in public health: unintentional injury in this age group represents a significant financial burden to our health care system, as well as a considerable social burden, given the interference with work and family. As an emerging area of interest, identifying and implementing best practice interventions with the aim of preventing falls in mid-life.
Effect of Feldenkrais exercises on dual task postural control in older adults
Clinical Interventions in Aging · July 2014
Gerhild Ullmann, The University of Memphis; Harriet G Williams, University of South Carolina
After completion of the Feldenkrais intervention, participants improved significantly on balance (P=0.030), mobility under single-task conditions (P=0.042), and showed positive changes in mobility under dual-task conditions (P=0.067).2 The authors of the review underline in their discussion the prominence of dualtask training for improving dual-task performance. However, an important outcome of our publication is that a broad spectrum of activities that are part of the Feldenkrais method can result in improvements in both single-task performances and dual-task performance. From our perspective, this is an important piece of the puzzle and should be noted if we want to design evidence-based interventions based on current scientific knowledge.
International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, Vol 4, March 2014
Gopal Nambi , Parth S. Trivedi , Shirin M. Momin , Shreya Patel , Divyesh P. Pancholi
http://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.4_Issue.3_March2014/12.pdf
Approximately 35%-40% of adults who are above 65 fall at least once in a year. The reasons for it may be declines in sensory and motor function and integration leading to poor balance and falls. Therefore, preventive measures for falls and falls-related injuries in elderly individuals are of critical importance. Therefore the purpose of the study is to compare the effectiveness of two approaches such as Pilates intervention (PI) and Feldenkrais Intervention (FI) in improving functional balance and quality of life (QOL) in ambulatory geriatrics. Material & Methodology: Total 60 Ambulatory geriatrics subjects were selected and randomly allocated into three groups (Pilates intervention-PI; Feldenkrais intervention-FI and Control).Each group had 20 subjects in it. All the groups completed 6 weeks of intervention. ... The 6 weeks of PI & FI protocol resulted in significant improvement of functional balance (FRT, TUG & DGI: p=0.000) and QOL (RAND-36: p=0.000) in elderly individuals which was not evident in the control group. ... Conclusions: Both Pilates and Feldenkrais are effective in improving functional balance and decreasing propensity to fall in ambulatory geriatrics thereby improving QOL.
Activities for the Older Adult: Integration of the Body and the Mind
Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, Volume 69, 1998 - Issue 9
Dee Ann Green Birkel, Ball University, Muncie, IN
Throughout the country, activities that integrate body and mind are popular with older adults who view them as ways to help maintain their independence and contribute to their quality of life.
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of MASTER OF PHYSIOTHERAPY, Nitte University
International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research (IJSER)
Ms. PATEL DHARA BIPINBHAI, March 2012
At the end of one month all the groups shows significant improvement in the balance. In comparison with other group, the Feldenkrais methods of exercises show better improvement than Alexander methods of exercises and conventional methods of exercises. CONCLUSION: All the groups showed improvement at the end of intervention. The study showed that all the groups have improvement in the balance after one month of intervention, but comparatively group II, who received Feldenkrias methods of exercises on balance shows better improvement than the Alexander methods of exercises and conventional balance exercises.
Alternative Movement Program in Geriatric Rehabilitation
Journal of Functional Neurology, Rehabilitation, and Ergonomics
Carol A. Montgomery; Cynthia M. Allen; Shereen D. Farber, PhD; Mark O. Farber
This pilot study exhibited positive effects among community-dwelling seniors with diverse physical capabilities and medical challenges. With minimal expense, participants achieved improvement in function and balance after 6 weeks of Bones for Life classes. Evidence suggests that Bones for Life increases the stability of organized single-leg stance during movement and successfully carries over into more challenging tasks that require a smaller base of support, like walking, turning, reaching, and climbing. Participation in Bones for Life classes has a positive influence on quality of life indicators like peace, happiness, calmness, and increased energy. The outcomes suggest that the Bones for Life program may be a safe, feasible, and effective way for seniors to improve function.
Mayo Clinic Bones For Life(R) and Osteoporosis Interview
Interview with Carol Montgomery, MSPT, GCFP, STMI, by Mary Jurisson, MD and Feldenkrais Practitioner
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic Osteoporosis and Bones for Life® program, March 2015
http://coachsomatics.com/mayo-clinic-bones-for-lifer-and-osteoporosis-interview/
The Bones for Life® program was created by Ruthy Alon and is based on Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais’ approach to somatic education. Most somatic education programs explore developmental movements and access the power and plasticity of the brain in order to improve human function through self-awareness in movement. Somatic education attempts to de-program habitual fixations that follow chronic and acute injury or illness, counter-productive movements due to faulty posture, and poor joint alignment. Reconnecting individuals to their natural capacity for feeling, thought, and action, the Bones for Life® program improves movement coordination and the collaborative functions of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.
Individuals With Dementia Learn New Habits and Empowered Through the Feldenkrais method®
Alzheimer's Care Quarterly. 2006 Oct-Dec
Joyce Ann OTR/L, GCFP
https://neozen888.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/individuals-with-dementia.pdf
Communicating with individuals with Dementia and helping them learn new skills can be a challenge. Through gentle touch and movement, the Feldenkrais Method® has been instrumental in helping individuals with dementia maintain and in many cases, improve function. This is accomplished by accessing the sub-cognitive process known as Procedural Memory. Outcomes include moving more easily, balancing better, falling less, communicating more effectively, becoming more alert, and feeling more comfortable.
Aging & Mental Health, July 2014
Eveline Wu, Deborah E. Barnes, Sara L. Ackerman, Jennifer Lee,Margaret Chesney, Wolf E. Mehlin
Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLIÉ) is a novel, integrative exercise program for individuals with dementia that combines elements of different conventional and complementary exercise modalities (e.g. tai-chi, yoga, Feldenkrais, and dance movement therapy) and focuses on training procedural memory for basic functional movements (e.g., sit-to-stand) while increasing mindful body awareness and facilitating social connection. This study presents analyses of qualitative data collected during a 36-week cross-over pilot clinical trial in 11 individuals.
Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Functional changes included increasing body awareness, movement memory and functional skill. (2) Emotional changes included greater acceptance of resting, sharing of personal stories and feelings, and positive attitude toward exercise. (3) Social changes included more coherent social interactions and making friends.
The Feldenkrais Method® can enhance cognitive function in independent living older adults: A case-series
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, July 2016
Gerhild Ullmann, The University of Memphis; Harriet G Williams, University of South Carolina
Poor cognitive health a major concern of aging individuals, can compromise independent living. More than 16 million people in the United States are affected by cognitive impairment. We have studied the effects of the Feldenkrais Method on cognitive function. In this case series with three participants cognitive function was assessed with the Trail Making Test A and B at baseline and after the Feldenkrais intervention. All participants improved performance on Trail Making Test A and B after completing the Feldenkrais intervention indicating that Feldenkrais lessons may offset age-related decline in cognitive function. The results of this case series warrant larger scale studies on cognitive outcomes of Feldenkrais interventions in clinical and non-clinical populations.
Older Peoples’ Perceived Benefits of Feldenkrais Method Classes
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, May 2015
Kieran Broome, University of the Sunshine Coast; Jane Shamrock, University of the Sunshine Coast; Kate Alcorn
The Feldenkrais Method of movement education has gradually gained in popularity in recent years; however, there is little research explaining why people engage in the Feldenkrais Method. The aim of this study was to understand the benefits perceived by older people from participation in an “awareness through movement” (ATM) class, as described in the Feldenkrais Method of movement education. ... Expected and perceived benefits were functional, physical, and psychological. Conclusion: The Feldenkrais Method is a multifactorial intervention, addressing a broad scope of outcomes. It may be an attractive option for older people to explore exercise, movement, and mindfulness. Future research should consider the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Feldenkrais Method classes.
A novel sensorimotor movement and walking intervention to improve balance and gait in women
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2014
Summer B. Cook, Dain P. LaRoche, Erik E. Swartz, Precious R. Hammond, Marjorie A. King
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH; Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH, USA
http://daneshyari.com/article/preview/2628531.pdf
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 5-day mind-body exercise (MBE) program on measures of quality of life, balance, balance confidence, mobility and gait in community-dwelling women. Methods: The MBE program was a 5-day retreat where multiple sessions of Feldenkrais®-based sensorimotor movement training and walking were performed daily. Forty-six women aged 40e80 years old participated in either the MBE program or maintained normal daily activity. Two-footed eyes-closed balance, gait characteristics, mobility via the Timed Up and Go test, balance confidence and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Women in the MBE group experienced improvements in mobility, stride length, single limb support time, balance confidence and quality of life while the control group did not change. Conclusion: This short-term intensive program may be beneficial to women at risk of mobility limitations.
Feldenkrais method and balance in the elderly: a systematic review
Journal of Physical Education , September 2013
Lara Elena Gomes, University of the São Francisco Valley, Brazil ; Adriane Vieira, University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1983-30832013000300013
The Feldenkrais Method is a Somatic Education technique that seeks to promote self-awareness from the experimentation of movement, although many lessons from this method are appropriate for restoring balance. Improvement of balance is an important benefit for the elderly, since falls represent a health risk in this population. Thus, the objective of the present study was to verify, through a systematic review, if there is evidence that the Feldenkrais Method allows an improvement in the balance of the elderly. A database search was carried out, only studies that met all the eligibility criteria were included. The results indicate that the Feldenkrais Method reduces the fear of falling and improves the static balance. Considering the dynamic equilibrium, there are conflicting results between studies. The present review also highlights the need for new research on this topic.
Can Feldenkrais exercises ameliorate subclinical depressive symptoms in older adults? A pilot study
The Journal of the South Carolina Medical Association, January 2011
Gerhild Ullmann, The University of Memphis; Harriet G Williams, University of South Carolina
Subclinical depressive symptoms are common among older patients in primary care practices. This study examined the effects of a five-week Feldenkrais intervention on depressive symptoms (CES-D), perceived stress (PSS-10) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in independent living older adults. Participants (N=47) were randomly assigned to two groups: a Feldenkrais intervention (FG, n = 25) and a control group ... The effect size of the Feldenkrais intervention was .32, whereas the effect size for the control group was -.33 for symptoms of depression ... data indicated a significant reduction ... after 15 Feldenkrais sessions.
A non-thesis project submitted to the faculty of the University of Utah in Partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gerontology, Center on Aging, University of Utah, August 2005
Charles S. Graybill, III, Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®
https://collections.lib.utah.edu/details?id=179479
A major health concern for all older adults is the problem of falls. In the United states it is estimated that one of every three adults, 65 years and older, falls each year. Many of these falls result in injury and/or hospitalizations. . . . Feldenkrais Method of movement education is one way of increasing movement efficiency. . . . Feldenkrais Method™ (FM) is my choice for experientially educating older adults about mobility, creativity, flexibility, and personal options within the context of their specific environment. The FM is holistic affecting physical, neurological, and kinesthetic awareness resulting in plasticity of habitual and non-habitual patterns. It also facilitates empowerment, curiosity, creativity, and a passion for discovery. These factors may increase balance, mobility, and safety, therefore reducing fall related injuries, which minimizing health care and community costs.
Case Report: Outcomes of Feldenkrais Movements on Self-reported Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, March 2016
Gerhild Ullmann, The University of Memphis
A lack of cognitive health can limit a person's well-being and may compromise independent living. The potential for cognitive decline is a major concern for aging individuals. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive processes. However, functional limitations frequently prevent older adults from participating in conventional exercise programs. Given the gentle nature of mind-body exercises, interventions such as the Feldenkrais may provide an alternative. ... The study intended to investigate whether Feldenkrais lessons can offset cognitive decline among older adults. ... Both participants improved their performance on the TMT-A and TMT-B after completing the Feldenkrais intervention. Neither of the 2 participants reported any adverse events related to the lessons. The beneficial results warrant further research into the efficacy of Feldenkrais.
Senior Advisor, on-line seniors journal, March 2016
Casey Kelly-Barton
https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2016/03/feldenkrais-for-seniors/
Doctors and aging experts recommend regular physical exercise for seniors to improve quality of life and reduce aches and pains. For seniors with limited mobility or severe joint pain, exercises like walking, lifting weights, and even yoga may be off the table. Another option is the Feldenkrais Method, a gentle system for reducing pain, increasing range of motion and improving balance through better awareness of posture and body mechanics plus hands-on help with individual issues from a trained Feldenkrais practitioner.
Physical therapists sometimes recommend Feldenkrais for seniors whose mobility and balance are limited, but anyone can benefit from the program’s emphasis on good posture and better habits of movement. Research has shown that seniors who participate in regular Feldenkrais classes have better balance and mobility -even while concentrating on another task – and are less afraid of falls than seniors who didn’t take the classes.
Dissertation submitted to Rajiv Ghandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, Bangalore.
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Physiotherapy, 2013
Sameer Narendra Patel
http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/bitstream/123456789/8136/1/SAMEER%20NARENDRA%20PATEL.pdf
Balance problems and falls are common among the elderly and are a leading cause of institutionalization ... Group A received Feldenkrais awareness through movement while Group B received dynamic soft tissue mobilization. There was a significant difference existing in both the groups but there was a highly significant increase in Group A which received Feldenkrais awareness through movement . . . It was concluded that Feldenkrais awareness through movement produces a much higher improved performance in balance in geriatric population.
