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NCT Number: NCT06750224

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Parkinson Disease Basal Ganglia Diseases Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Movement Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Parkinsonian Disorders Synucleinopathies

Age range

50 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

General hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Alexander technique

Other

24 sessions for 8 weeks, per week 3 sessions will be given

Feldenkrais method

Other

The method is divided into eight lessons according to 'Awareness Through Movement'. Each lesson will be given three times for one week.

Primary outcomes

  1. Berg balance scale

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    It is a 14-item list with each item consisting of a five-point ordinal scale ranging from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating the lowest level of function and 4 the highest level of function and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. It does not include the assessment of gait. A score of 56 indicates functional balance. A score of <45 indicates individuals may be at greater risk of falling. A score of ≤49 indicates a risk of falls in individuals with stroke.

  2. Time up and go (TUG)

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The patient starts in a seated position. The patient stands up upon therapist's command: walks 3 meters, turns around, walks back to the chair and sits down. The time stops when the patient is seated. An older adult who takes ≥12 seconds to complete the TUG is at risk for falling. In Parkinson's, the patient is at high risk of fall if he takes more than 11.5 seconds.

  3. Fall efficacy scale-international (FES-I)

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    It is a 16-item questionnaire, with a score ranging from minimum 16 (no concern about falling) to maximum 64 (severe concern about falling).

  4. Quality of life questionnaire for Parkinson's PDQ-39

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    PDQ-39 comprises 39 questions from 8 dimensions which include mobility, activities of daily of living, emotional well-being, stigma, social support, cognition, communication, and bodily discomfort.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Alexander Techniques and Feldenkrais Method on Balance, Fear of Fall and Quality of Life in Patients With Parkinson's Disease.

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Dec 27, 2024
Registry last updated
Jan 14, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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