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[2008 updates are highlighted in red]
| Description: |
Feldenkrais, a type of bodywork, teaches comfortable and efficient body movements. It is claimed to improve multiple symptoms and to provide therapeutic effects for people with MS. People with disabilities can do Feldenkrais. There are two types of Feldenkrais. With the Awareness Through Movement (ATM) method, the focus is on the motion of the body during simple movements such as bending or walking. The other technique, Functional Integration (FI), involves an instructor who actually manipulates muscles and joints during movement. |
| Rationale: |
The retraining of movements with Feldenkrais is believed to increase the efficiency and comfort of body movements. This is claimed to improve walking stability, increase strength and coordination, and decrease stress. |
| Evaluation: |
Feldenkrais has undergone very limited investigation in MS and other conditions. In one small study, 20 people with MS were treated for eight weeks with either Feldenkrais or “sham” sessions. The treated group had significantly decreased stress and a trend for decreased anxiety relative to the “sham” group. There were no significant effects on arm function, overall level of function, and multiple other MS symptoms. This study was not rigorous enough to be conclusive. Additional study with more people with MS, longer treatment times, and more rigorous study design are needed. |
| Risks: |
Feldenkrais is generally safe. |
| Costs: |
ATM classes are low cost. FI sessions are moderate cost. |
| Committee opinion: |
In the opinion of the Committee, Feldenkrais is a low-moderate cost, generally well tolerated therapy that has produced decreased stress in one small study in MS. Further studies are needed to determine whether Feldenkrais has any definite therapeutic effects in MS.
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