Does the Feldenkrais Method make a difference? An investigation into the use of outcome measurement tools for evaluating changes in clients

Abstract

Evidence-based practice confirms the need for outcome measures. Feldenkrais Method practitioners struggle to use such tools because of the broad range of applications of the Feldenkrais Method and the difficulty identifying suitable measurement tools. A pre/post-test design was used to investigate the use of three outcome measurement tools [Patient-specific Functional Scale (PSFS), Pain Outcome Profile (POP) and Short Form12v2 Health questionnaire (SF12v2)] for clients experiencing problems performing everyday functional tasks who attended Feldenkrais sessions. Eleven Feldenkrais practitioners submitted data on 48 clients. Changes were detected in the clients' ability to perform everyday tasks (PSFS improved 3.8 points, p < 0.001), levels of pain decreased (POP improved in current pain p = 0.001, physical index p < 0.001 and affective index p = 0.001) and quality of life improved significantly in six of the eight SF12v2 domains. These three tools have been found to be suitable for detecting changes in client function before and after a series of Feldenkrais sessions.