Accidental Falls, Exercise
Conditions
Keywords
Feldenkrais Method, movement class, balance, Four square step test, Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale, systems theory
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a series of Feldenkrais movement lessons on mobility and balance, particularly for older adults. The investigators hypothesise that mobility and balance will improve following the classes.
Detailed description
The Feldenkrais Method is an educational process which involves exploration of novel movement sequences that lead to expansion of the movement repertoire. This Method has been used with the aim of improving balance and mobility in several studies, and has been compared to the benefits of Tai Chi for improving balance in older adults. The current study investigates the effects of a 10 week series of Feldenkrais movement classes on gait parameters as measured on an instrumented gait mat, a balance test of stepping and turning (the Four Square Step Test) and a questionnaire about balance confidence (the Activites Specific Balance Confidence scale.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALFeldenkrais Movement class
Sponsors
University of Melbourne
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
65 Years to 90 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* community dwelling older adults (aged over 65) * able to independently ambulate indoors and outdoors
Exclusion criteria
* currently undergoing physiotherapy treatment * unable to comprehend written english * unable to give informed consent * walking with a walking frame indoors
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Balance Confidence (as measured by ABC scale) | — |
| Tempo-spatial parameters of gait | — |
| Time to complete Four Square Step Test | — |
Countries
Australia
Outcome results
None listed