Research on the Feldenkrais Method®

A practical map of peer‑reviewed findings and pilot studies on the Feldenkrais Method®. We grouped the evidence by topic and added plain‑English takeaways so readers can see how learning to move with awareness supports better organization, comfort, and ease in the self.

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Citation: Hall et al., unpublished manuscript, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, 1999.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