Research on the Feldenkrais Method®

By Al Wadleigh, GCFP

Article Summary

This article organizes selected published studies, theses, pilot projects, and reports about the Feldenkrais Method® by topic. Across areas including pain, balance, neurological conditions, mood, and movement coordination, the research describes changes in measures such as comfort, mobility, gait, balance confidence, flexibility, and quality of life.

Jump to:

• Chronic Pain
• Stroke & Balance After Stroke
• Balance (Older Adults)
• Injury & Movement Patterns
• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Low Back Pain
• Neck & Shoulder Pain
• Arthritis
• Parkinson’s
• Anxiety, Depression & Mood
• Seniors & Quality of Life
• Flexibility & Motor Control

Chronic Pain

Six‑week ATM® course & one‑year follow‑up

Takeaway: Participants reported better mobility and less pain immediately and at 12‑months; mood and relaxation also improved.

Citation: Dearman & Shafarman. “The Feldenkrais Method in the Treatment of Chronic Pain.” American Journal of Pain Management, 1999;9:22‑27.

Movement re‑education in pain management

Takeaway: Functional outcomes improved following a program emphasizing awareness‑based movement learning.

Citation: Phipps & Lopez. Master’s thesis, Pacific University, 1997.

Stroke & Balance After Stroke

6‑week Feldenkrais program in chronic stroke

Takeaway: Improvements on Berg Balance Scale (~11%), Dynamic Gait Index (~55%), and Stroke Impact Scale (~35%) suggest functional mobility gains are possible even years post‑stroke.

Citation: Batson, G. Effects of Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement on Balance in Adults With Chronic Neurological Deficits Following Stroke (preliminary study).

Balance (Older Adults)

Older women: balance and gait measures

Takeaway: Improved Berg scores, walking speed, movement timing, and quicker balance corrections; participants felt stronger and more confident.

Citation: Hall et al., unpublished manuscript, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, 1999.

Injury & Movement Patterns

Functional reach after Feldenkrais intervention

Takeaway: Lessons may help prevent protective, maladaptive patterns and support coordinated whole‑self movement during recovery.

Citation: Chinn, Trujillo, Kegerreis, Worrell. Isokinetics & Exercise Science, 1994;4(4):131‑136.

Fibromyalgia

15‑week sessions & classes

Takeaway: Reported improvements in balance, posture, gait, sleep, and fatigue; movement felt easier with less effort.

Citations: Dean, Yuen & Barrows (report). Kendall et al. J. Musculoskeletal Pain, 2001;9(4):25‑35.

Multiple Sclerosis

Bodywork/ATM® and quality of life

Takeaway: Reports of steadier daily movements, improved self‑esteem, and better overall quality of life.

Citation: Bost et al., DMSG field study, 1994.

Randomized controlled study: balance & confidence

Takeaway: ATM group improved mCTSIB and balance confidence vs. controls; broad gains across measures suggest effective motor‑learning intervention.

Citation: Stephens et al. Neurology Report, 2001;25(2):39‑49.

Low Back Pain

Four sessions & return to normal activity

Takeaway: 76% of participants with chronic low back pain returned to normal activity after four sessions; all had tried other therapies without success.

Citation: Lake, B. in Posture and Gait: Control Mechanisms VII, 1992.

Neck & Shoulder Pain

Six‑week classes in female workers

Takeaway: Greater neck flexion range, improved neck‑shoulder index, and fewer complaints after ATM classes.

Citation: Lundblad, Elert, Gerdle. J. Occup. Rehab 1999;9(3):179‑94.

Facilitating cervical flexion

Takeaway: ATM procedures supported improved neck flexion mechanics and comfort.

Citation: Ruth & Kegerreis. J. Sports Phys. Ther. 1992;16(1):25‑29.

Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis case & pilot work

Takeaway: Improved chair‑rise mechanics, faster walking, ~30% pain reduction; EMG studies suggested lower effort in trunk flexion. Many maintained gains 2‑years post.

Citations: Narula et al., Physical Therapy 1992 (suppl.); Narula, M.S. thesis, Oakland Univ., 1993.

Parkinson’s

Case studies & early intervention

Takeaway: Reports of improved flexibility, alignment, balance, gait, and functional movement; early learning may delay reliance on medication.

Citations: Shenkman et al. Physical Therapy 1989; Wendell, case report, 2000 (unpublished).

Anxiety, Depression & Mood

Single‑session to 6–8 sessions

Takeaway: Early evidence shows reduced state anxiety with ATM; mood improved in educator cohorts; MS participants reported eased depression/anxiety.

Citations: Kolt & McConville 2000; Kerr, Kotynia, Kolt 2002; Netz & Lidor 2003.

Seniors & Quality of Life

Well‑elderly population

Takeaway: Better coordination in floor‑to‑stand transfer; vitality and mental health scores improved alongside mobility and economy of movement.

Citation: Stephens, Pendergast, Roller, Weiskittel. IFF Academy Feldenkrais Research Journal.

Flexibility & Motor Control

Neck flexion & trunk EMG

Takeaway: Significant increase in neck flexion after a single class and positive changes in trunk muscle activity—pointing to improved organization and efficiency.

Citations: Ruth & Kegerreis, JOSPT 1992; Brown & Kegerreis, Isokinetics & Exercise Science 1991.

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