Effects of the Feldenkrais Method as a Physiotherapy Tool: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

The Feldenkrais Method (FM) is based on the learning of alternative movement patterns, carried out in an active and conscious way, which may have therapeutic effects. The objective of this systematic review is to identify the populations and conditions for which the FM can be used in physiotherapy and to determine the intervention modalities. Research in PubMed, Cochrane and PEDro databases was performed. The PEDro scale was employed to assess the methodological quality. Meta-analyses (MA) were performed whenever populations and outcome measures were comparable in at least two studies. Sixteen studies were included. In elderly people, in three of the four selected trials, the FM group significantly improved gait, balance, mobility and quality of life. The MA showed significant differences between interventions in the Timed-Up-and-Go test [Cohen’s d = −1.14, 95% CI (−1.78, −0.49), p = 0.0006]. FM significantly improved pain, functional balance, and perceived exertion in three trials performed on subjects with cervical, dorsal, or shoulder pain. FM demonstrated improvements in pain, disability, quality of life and interoceptive awareness in the three trials performed in subjects with chronic low back pain. In multiple sclerosis, an improvement in functional capacity was observed in the two selected studies. The MA showed no significant differences between groups in the Function (p = 0.97) and Control (p = 0.82) dimensions of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale. In Parkinson’s disease, two studies showed significant effects on quality of life and functional tests. In conclusion, evidence shows that FM has therapeutic effects comparable to other physiotherapy techniques in patients with spine pain. In addition, improvements in mobility and balance were seen in the elderly and people with neurodegenerative diseases.