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Research: JOHNSON and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 46
Abstract
JOHNSON and colleagues, Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte 28223 USA conducted a study to determine whether a course of Feldenkrais bodywork would improve physical, emotional and functioning in people suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) .
Background
Methodology
20 individuals with clinically definite MS and disability status scores between 2-6, were recruited from a regional MS clinic, and were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups in a crossover design to control for order effects of treatments. Half of the patients received 8 weeks of sham sessions (nontherapeutic bodywork), followed by 8 weeks of Feldenkrais bodywork sessions; the other half received Feldenkrais first, followed by sham. Participants completed the outcome measures prior to the first course of treatment, in between Feldenkrais and sham and again at study completion. Outcome measures consisted of the nine-hole pegboard test of hand dexterity, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, MS self-efficacy scale, MS Symptom Inventory, MS Performance Scales and the Perceived Stress Scale.
Results
Significant differences were noted for perceived stress and lowered anxiety following Feldenkrais sessions. There were nonsignificant trends toward higher self-efficacy following both Feldenkrais and sham sessions. MS symptoms, levels of functional ability and upper extremity performance were not affected by Feldenkrais or sham sessions.
Conclusion
Although Feldenkrais bodywork sessions significantly improved perceived stress and anxiety, MS symptoms, levels of functional ability and upper extremity performance were not changed.
References
Johnson SK et al. A controlled investigation of bodywork in multiple sclerosis. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 5(3): 237-43. June 1999.
Comment
It is encouraging that Feldenkrais bodywork can help to modestly improve some of the emotional symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and it is not surprising that this does not affect the entire range of physical and functional symptoms, given the difficulties presented with MS.
