National Fibromyalgia Association: The Effects of Feldenkrais "Awareness Through Movement" Sequence on FM Patients

The Effects of Feldenkrais "Awareness Through Movement" Sequence on FM Patients
Thursday, October 11, 2007
By: Stacy Barrows, PT, GCFP

FMOnline, vol. 7, no. 9

In order to enhance the ability of a person with fibromyalgia to exercise and to move within a dynamically efficient posture, the Feldenkrais Method was evaluated for its potential use in reducing pain and improving kinesthetic sense. The Feldenkrais Method, named after its inventor, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, uses a sensorimotor learning approach to teach individuals more efficient movement strategies.

The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of a Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) lesson to people diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Subjects met twice a week for a one-hour group ATM lesson, and were instructed to follow through daily with practice tapes. After two months, subjects were placed on a one-month home program. Pre-test and post-test data, which included a modified Fibromyalgia Impact Assessment (FIA) questionnaire, a pain scale, photographical postural analysis, and observational video analysis of walking, were collected and analyzed for five fibromyalgia patients. A paired T test (a statistical test) on the modified FIA and other descriptive analyses showed moderate improvement in the subjects. It was concluded that the Feldenkrais Method had potential value as a possible adjunct to the physical therapy treatment of selected fibromyalgia patients.

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