Feldenkrais Method and Stress-Related Responses in Adult Women

Background and Rationale: The Feldenkrais Method® (FM) is a mind-body approach that uses gentle, slow, and mindful movements to enhance self-awareness, motor control, and movement efficiency. Similar mind-body practices such as Yoga and Tai Chi have been shown to improve autonomic regulation, reduce stress-related biomarkers, and enhance psychological well-being. Chronic stress, particularly in sedentary individuals, can negatively affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and cardiovascular health. Despite the growing popularity of FM, evidence regarding its effects on autonomic balance and stress adaptation remains limited.

Study Purpose and Hypothesis: This pilot study aimed to explore whether a short FM-based protocol could influence physiological and psychological responses to stress in healthy adult women. It was hypothesized that participation in an 8-day FM program would improve autonomic regulation, body fluid balance, and psychological well-being.

Study Design: A pilot study was conducted with 24 healthy sedentary women. Participants were assigned to either an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG) based on their interest and availability to attend all FM sessions. Due to the intensive nature of the intervention and practical constraints, randomization was not performed. All participants provided written informed consent, and the study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the University of Palermo (Approval No. 129/2023). Assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention at the "Studio Forte" and the "Functional Assessment Laboratory" of Palermo University between April and July 2023.

Participant Selection and Sedentary Criteria: Inclusion criteria required participants to be healthy, adult sedentary women (≥18 years). Sedentariness was defined according to World Health Organization guidelines: less than 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, less than 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity, or an equivalent combination. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic information, education level, occupation, weekly minutes of physical activity, and self-reported medical history.

Intervention: The IG performed eight consecutive Awareness Through Movement (ATM) lessons, each lasting 90 minutes, focusing on upper limb functionality and integration with trunk movements. The CG did not participate in any structured activity during the same period.

Outcome Measures: Physiological outcomes included resting heart rate (HR), averaged over 5 minutes, heart rate variability (HRV) assessed via Polar H10 sensor, total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW), and HPA axis index measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Body weight and height were measured by the study operator using a standard digital scale and stadiometer, respectively.

HRV metrics encompassed time-domain (SDNN, RMSSD) and frequency-domain (VLF, LF, HF, LF/HF ratio) parameters. TBW and ECW reflected body fluid distribution, while the HPA axis index provided an indirect measure of neuroendocrine adaptation to stress. The Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) were used to assess psychological well-being and self-compassion, respectively.

Inclusion criteria

• Female (age ≥18 years)
• Healthy (no musculoskeletal disorders or other conditions limiting participation in the Feldenkrais Method protocol)
• Sedentary lifestyle (<150 min/week of moderate-intensity physical activity or <75 min/week of vigorous-intensity activity)

Exclusion criteria

• Male
• Presence of acute or chronic medical conditions
• Current pregnancy