Feldenkrais method and functionality in Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract Background: The second most common age-related chronic neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease is Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective: The focus of this study was to improve the functional capabilities of the participants with PD. Study groups: The PD participants were randomized into two groups: Feldenkrais and control. Methods: The Feldenkrais group underwent 50 sessions of an exercise program based on the Feldenkrais method. The control group received educational lectures during this period. Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rate Scale (UPDRS – session III), mini-mental state evaluation (MMSE), Hoehn and Yahr scale, and functional tests (figure-of-eight walk test, timed-up-and-go test, rollover task, 360 degrees turn-in-place, functional-reach test, sitting-and-standing test, Berg balance scale (BBS), and hip-flexion strength) were assessed in both groups. Procedures during the 50 sessions were conducted in an appropriate room, twice-a-week, on alternate days and lasted 60 min. Results: Thirty subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the Feldenkrais (n=15) and the control (n=15) group. The Feldenkrais group presented significantly better in functional tests (p<0.05) when compared to the control group. The control group received lower scores after the 50-session period in the sitting/standing test (p=0.02), 360 degrees turn-in-place (p=0.01), and rollover test (p=0.01). Results of the BBS demonstrated significantly higher scores in the Feldenkrais group after treatment (p=0.004) when compared to the control group (p=0.01). Conclusion: The Feldenkrais lessons produced specific changes in functional mobility in PD participants.