Benefits

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Benefits:

  • Improved:
    •  proprioception (10 out of 10) ·
    • coordination and ease of movement (10/10)
    • posture and stability (9/10)
    • well-being (6/10)
    • feeling of confidence (5/10)
    • breathing (2/10)
  • Decreased
    • pain (6/10)
    • spasm (7/10)

The only way to change is action

Research Evidence:

  • Improves:
    • body awareness:  Multiple sclerosis, pain, stroke, able-bodied  (6,7,20)
    •  mobility (1,6,18,23)
    •  stability (1,4,21,24)
    •  coordination (19,25)
    •  ease of movement (22,18)
    •  posture (13)
    •  balance confidence (5,24)
    •  mood (17)
    •  breathing (20)
    •  well-being and quality of life (15,22)
    •  sleep (20)
    •  self efficacy (15) and health locus of control (20)
    •  self image (15)
    •  greater recruitment of the affected part of the motor cortex  (stroke) (16)

The only way to change is action

  • Reduces, decreases:
    • decreased pain (2,14,15)
    • fatigue (20)
    • anxiety and stress (10,11,12,15)
    • medical costs (2)

The only way to change is action

References:

1. Batson, G., & Deutsch, J.E. (2005). Effects of Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement on balance in adults with chronic neurological deficits following stroke: A preliminary study. Complementary Health Practice Review, 10 (3), 203-210.

  • Read PdF – CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first reported study describing the use of the FM implemented late in stroke recovery. These preliminary findings are very encouraging and form the basis for future research on the role of FMs using larger numbers of participants and credible control groups.

2. Bearman, D., & Shafarman, S. (1999). The Feldenkrais Method in the treatment of chronic pain: A study of efficacy and cost effectiveness. American Journal of Pain Management, 9(1), 22-27.

3. Bost, H. (1997). Case description: Michael-incomplete paraplegia after a motorbike accident-A five-year learning process.

4. Buchanan, P.A., & Vardaxis, V.G. (2000). Effects of Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement on balance during standing. Journal of Athletic Training, 35, S-81.

5. Connors, K.C., Galea, M.P., & Said, C.M. (2007). Feldenkrais Method balance classes improve balance confidence and mobility in older adults: a pilot study. Abstract of the Australian Physiotherapy Conference, Cairns, October, 2007.

6. Dunn, P.A., & Rogers, D.K. (2000). Feldenkrais sensory imagery and forward reach. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 91, 755-757.

7. Elgelid, H.S. (2005). Feldenkrais and body image. IFF Academy Feldenkrais Research Journal, 2.

8. Fox, C. (1978). The Feldenkrais phenomenon. Quest, No. 7, Dec./Jan. 1978-79

9. Ginsburg, C. (1980). On plasticity and paraplegia: Some clinical observations on the ability to recover from severe injury to the spinal cord. Somatics, Autumn, 34- 40.

10. Johnson, S.K., Frederick, J., Kaufman, M., & Mountjoy, B. (1999). A controlled investigation of bodywork in multiple sclerosis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 5(3): 237-43.

11. Kerr, G.A., Kotynia, F., & Kolt, G.S. (2002). Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement and state anxiety. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 6(2), 102-107.

12. Kolt, G.S., & McConville, J.C. (2000). The effects of a Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement program on state anxiety. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 4(3), 216-220.

13. Lake, B. (1992) Photoanalysis of standing posture in controls and low back pain: Effects of kinaesthetic processing (Feldenkrais Method) in posture and gait. In Woollocott M, Horak, F. (eds) Control Mechanisms VII. Eugene, OR: University of Oregon Press.

14. Lundblad, I., Elert, J., & Gerdle, B. (1999). Randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy and Feldenkrais interventions in female workers with neck-shoulder complaints. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 9(3) September, 179-194.

15. Malmgren-Olsson, E.B., & Branholm, I.B. (2002). A comparison between three physiotherapy approaches with regard to health-related factors in patients with non-specific musculoskeletal disorders. Disability & Rehabilitation, 24(6), 308-317.

16. Nair, D.G., Fuchs, A., Burkart, S., Steinberg, F.L., & Kelso, J.A. (2005) Assessing recovery in middle cerebral artery stroke using functional MRI. Brain Injury; Dec. 19(13):1165-76.

17. Netz, Y., & Lidor, R. (2003). Mood alterations in mindful versus aerobic exercise modes. Journal of Psychology, 137(5), 405-419.

18. Ruth, S., & Kegerreis, S. (1992). Facilitating cervical flexion using a Feldenkrais Method – Awareness through Movement. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 16(1), 25-29.

19. Schon-Ohlsson, C., Willen, J., & Johnels, B. (2005). Sensory motor learning in patients with chronic low back pain – A prospective pilot study using optoelectronic movement analysis. Spine, 30(17), E509-E516.

20. Stephens, J. (2000). Feldenkrais method: background, research, and orthopaedic case studies. Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America, 9(3), 375- 394.

21. Stephens, J. (2007). Future directions for research on the Feldenkrais method. IFF Academy Feldenkrais Research Journal, 3

22. Stephens, J., Call, S., Evans, K., Glass, M., Gould, C., & Lowe, J. (1999). Responses to ten Feldenkrais awareness through movement lessons by four women with multiple sclerosis: improved quality of life. Physical Therapy Case Reports, 2(2), 58-69.

23. Stephens, J., Davidson, J., Derosa, J., Kriz, M., & Saltzman, N. (2006). Lengthening the hamstring muscles without stretching using “awareness through movement”. Physical Therapy, 86(12), 1641-1650.

24. Stephens, J., DuShuttle, D., Hatcher, C., Shmunes, J., & Slaninka, C. (2001). Use of awareness through movement improves balance and balance confidence in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled study. Neurology Report, 25(2), 39-49.

25. Stephens, J., Pendergast, C., Roller, B.A., & Weiskittel, R.S. (2005). Learning to improve mobility and quality of life in a well elderly population: the benefits of awareness through movement. IFF Academy Feldenkrais Research Journal, 2.

The only way to change is action

by Renee LindstromEffective Movement Posture Mentoring Programs Available:

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by Renee Lindstrom, GCFP @ Inside Awareness,  Living in Natures Love Blog
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