Comparative Effects of Alexander Techniques and Feldenkrais Method in Parkinson's Disease

Riphah International University

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Parkinson Disease

Treatments: Other: Alexander technique; Other: Feldenkrais method

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06750224

REC/RCR & AHS/24/0248

Details and patient eligibility

About

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, and postural instability. These symptoms significantly impact balance and increase the risk of falls, which subsequently lead to a heightened fear of falling and a diminished quality of life. Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method have shown effects in improving overall well-being.

The study is randomized clinical trial will be carried at General hospital. 46 participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be included in this study. Participants will be randomly assigned into 2 groups, Group A and Group B participants will receive Alexander techniques and Feldenkrais method, respectively. All the groups will receive interventions for three days a week for 8 weeks.

Full description

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. These symptoms significantly impact balance and increase the risk of falls, which subsequently lead to a heightened fear of falling and a diminished quality of life. Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method have shown promise in improving motor function and overall well-being. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effects of the Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method on balance, fear of falling, and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease.

This randomized clinical trial will be carried at General hospital after the approval of permission letter. Total number of 46 participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be included in this study through a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Participants will be randomly assigned into 2 groups using computer generated randomization method. Group A and Group B participants will receive Alexander techniques and Feldenkrais method, respectively. All the groups will receive interventions for three days a week for 8 weeks. Total treatment time will be 40 minutes. The outcome measuring scales used will be Berg balance scale and time-up and go to measure balance, fall efficacy scale-international to measure fear of fall, and the Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39) to measure quality of life. The data will be collected at baseline and after 8 weeks of therapy, to measure the outcome measures.

Enrollment: 46 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 50 to 70 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• The age group of 50 to 70 years will be included.
• Both genders (male and female)
• Patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease of Hoehn and Yahr stage (1-3).
• Patient should be able to stand 10 minutes at least without assistance.
• Patients should be able to walk with or without assistance.
• MMSE (score higher than 24).

Exclusion criteria

• Recent surgery or any fracture
• Visual and hearing impairments.
• CVS impairments that interfered with therapy
• Joint pain or musculoskeletal problem that interfered with therapy

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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46 participants in 2 patient groups

alexander

Experimental group

Description:

Group A will receive therapy according to Alexander techniques for every alternate day (3 days per week) for 8 weeks. Total 40 minutes of session.

Treatment:

Other: Alexander technique

feldenkrais

Experimental group

Description:

Group B will receive therapy according to Feldenkrais method for every alternate day (3 days per week) for 8 weeks. Total 40 minutes of session

Treatment:

Other: Feldenkrais method