Feldenkrais Method® Exercise Promising for Parkinson’s

PALM SPRINGS, California — An exercise program based on the Feldenkrais Method can improve the mood and quality of life among people with Parkinson’s disease, a new study shows.

By damaging neurologic functioning, Parkinson’s disease often diminishes quality of life and leads to depression.

“The Feldenkrais Method uses easy movement and breath control and flexibility and balance to facilitate more control in the whole body,” said first author Lavinia Teixeira-Machado, PT, PhD, from the Education in Health Department, Federal University of Sergipe in Sergipe, Brazil. “I use it in cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome.”

“We reduced the isolation,” said Dr Teixeira-Machado told Medscape Medical News. “It’s very interesting.”

She presented the finding here at the American Pain Society (APS) 34th Annual Scientific Meeting.

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