There is growing research evidence that the Feldenkrais Method is effective for improving balance.
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The ability to balance is a fundamental requirement for safe mobility. People suffer from difficulties with balance due to a variety of causes. The results of this can be falls, injuries from falls and a loss of confidence.
The Feldenkrais Method helps improve balance with gentle movements which:
- Improve coordination
- Improve body awareness
- Improve flexibility
- Improve confidence
- Improve dynamic stability
Three research studies investigating the Feldenkrais Method and balance have been published recently in international peer.reviewed journals. These studies were all concerned with balance in older people. Each study found that people attending Feldenkrais balance classes improved in balance and mobility when compared with Control groups who did not attend the classes. These studies are summarised over the page.
Other research studies have found improvements in balance in people with Multiple Sclerosis (Bateson and Deutsch 2005) and Stroke (Stephens et al 2001).
hod® improves balance
Feldenkrais Method balance classes are based on principles of motor learning and postural control retraining: a qualitative study. Physiotherapy Dec 2010, Connors K, Galea M, Said, C, Remdios L
Background:
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:
The purpose of this study was 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 it may be
effective. Design: A
qualitative
research approach (content analysis) was used. Key findings were the extensive
involvement of trunk flexibility and control in the balance activities and also
the intensive attention to internal feedback, which was linked to body
awareness training.
Conclusion: The
Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lessons contained many elements
consistent with current theories of motor skill acquisition and postural
control, providing a sound theoretical basis for the effectiveness of the
Feldenkrais approach in improving balance.
Effects
of Feldenkrais Exercises on balance, mobility, balance confidence and gait
performance in community-dwelling adults age 65 and older. Journal
of Complementary and Alternative Therapies, 16:
97-105, 2010, Ullmann G, Williams H, Hussey J, Durstine J, McClenaghan B
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to examine effects of Feldenkrais
exercises in improving balance, mobility, and balance confidence in older
adults.Methods: Participants (N = 47, mean age 75.6) were randomly
assigned to a Feldenkrais group (FG, n = 25) or to a control group (CG, n
= 22). Results: After completion of the program, balance (p =
0.030) and mobility (p = 0.042) increased while fear of falling (p =
0.042) decreased significantly for the FG group. Participants of the FG group
showed improvements in balance confidence (p = 0.054) and mobility while
performing concurrently a cognitive task (p = 0.067).
Conclusions:
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.
Getting Grounded Gracefully: effectiveness and acceptability of Feldenkrais in improving
balance. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 17(1): 57-76, 2009; Vrantsidis F, Hill K, Mooree K,Webb R, Hunt S, Dowson L
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% female) were
randomised to the intervention (twice weekly group classes over 8 weeks) or the
control group (continued with their usual activity). Significant improvement
was identified for the intervention group relative to the control group for the
Modified Falls Efficacy Scale score (p = 0.003) and gait speed (p = 0.028), and
a strong trend evident
in the Timed Up and Go (p = 0.056). High class attendance (88%) and survey
feedback indicate that the program was viewed positively by participants and
may therefore be acceptable to other older people.
Feldenkrais Method balance classes improve balance in older adults: a controlled trial. Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Advance access published online 24 June 2009. Connors K, Galea M, Said C
Objective: To
investigate the effects of Feldenkrais Method balance classes on balance and
mobility in older adults. Design: Prospective non-randomized controlled study
with pre/post measures. Participants: Convenience sample of 26
community-dwelling older adults (median age 75 years) attending Feldenkrais Method
balance classes formed the Intervention group. Thirty-seven volunteers were
recruited for the Control group (median age 76.5 years. Results: At re-testing,
the Intervention group showed significant improvement on all of the measures
(ABC, p=0.016, 4SST, p=0.001, gait speed, p<0 .001="" 4sst="" a="" abc="" and="" compared="" control="" gait="" group="" improved="" improvement="" in="" intervention="" made="" measure="" o:p="" on="" one="" p="0.022)." score="" significant="" significantly="" speed="" the="" their="" time="" to="">
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that Feldenkrais Method balance classes may improve mobility and balance in older adults.
Australian Feldenkrais Guild Inc
Freecall: 1800 001 550
E: database@feldenkrais.org.au
www.feldenkrais.org.au
To view article go to: http://feldenkraisfoundation.org/feldenkrais-method-improves-balance/
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thank you for a great article and information beneficial to health
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