Parkinson DiseaseNCT06750224
Comparative Effects of Alexander Techniques and Feldenkrais Method in Parkinson's Disease
A study testing Alexander technique and Feldenkrais method in people with Parkinson Disease, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 50 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Parkinson Disease
- What is being tested?
- Alexander technique and Feldenkrais method
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 46 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2024to 1 May 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 50 to 70 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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).
Who cannot join
- 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 locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Alexander Techniques and Feldenkrais Method on Balance, Fear of Fall and Quality of Life in Patients With 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.
Read the detailed 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.
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Being tested
- Alexander technique, Feldenkrais method
- Keywords
- Alexander techniques, balance, Feldenkrais method, fear of fall, quality of life, Parkinson's disease
- Medical subject headings
- Parkinson Disease
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Alexander techniqueOther
24 sessions for 8 weeks, per week 3 sessions will be given
Feldenkrais methodOther
The method is divided into eight lessons according to 'Awareness Through Movement'. Each lesson will be given three times for one week.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| alexander | Experimental | 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. Receives: Other: Alexander technique |
| feldenkrais | Experimental | 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 Receives: Other: Feldenkrais method |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Berg balance scale
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.
Measured: 8 weeks
Time up and go (TUG)
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.
Measured: 8 weeks
Fall efficacy scale-international (FES-I)
It is a 16-item questionnaire, with a score ranging from minimum 16 (no concern about falling) to maximum 64 (severe concern about falling).
Measured: 8 weeks
Quality of life questionnaire for Parkinson's PDQ-39
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.
Measured: 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Dec 2024
- Study start1 Oct 2024
- Primary completion1 Feb 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion1 May 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (9)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Parkinson DiseaseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Sabiha Arshad, M.Phill, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06750224
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/0248
- Status last verified
- Jan 2025
- First submitted
- 20 Dec 2024
- Last updated
- 14 Jan 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Teixeira-Machado L, de Araújo FM, Menezes MA, Cunha FA, Menezes T, Ferreira CdS, et al. Feldenkrais method and functionality in Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial. International Journal on Disability and Human Development. 2017;16(1):59-66.
Sedaghati P, Goudarzian M, Daneshmandi H, Ardjmand A. Effects of Alexander-based corrective techniques on forward flexed posture, risk of fall, and fear of falling in idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Archives of Neuroscience. 2018;5(2).
Hafezi M, Rahemi Z, Ajorpaz NM, Izadi FS. The effect of the Alexander Technique on pain intensity in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2022 Jan;29:54-59. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.09.025. Epub 2021 Oct 9.
PubMed 35248289Kang SH, Kim J, Kim I, Moon YA, Park S, Koh SB. Dance Intervention Using the Feldenkrais Method Improves Motor, and Non-Motor Symptoms and Gait in Parkinson's Disease: A 12-Month Study. J Mov Disord. 2022 Jan;15(1):53-57. doi: 10.14802/jmd.21086. Epub 2021 Nov 3.
PubMed 34724780Gross M, Condie C, Grieb J, Cohen R. Poised for Parkinson's: Retention of benefits 6-7 months after Alexander technique synchronous online group course. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2022;103(12):e150.
Babaei H, Alizadeh MH, Minoonezhad H, Movahed A, Maher R. Effectiveness of the Alexander Technique on quality of life in young men with upper crossed syndrome. Physical Treatments-Specific Physical Therapy Journal. 2024;14(2):125-36.
Berland R, Marques-Sule E, Marin-Mateo JL, Moreno-Segura N, Lopez-Ridaura A, Sentandreu-Mano T. Effects of the Feldenkrais Method as a Physiotherapy Tool: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 22;19(21):13734. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192113734.
PubMed 36360614Pour Kamali T, Yazdkhasti F, Oreyzi HR, Chitsaz A. A Comparison of Effectiveness of Dohsa-hou and the Alexander Technique on Happiness, Social Adjustment, Hope, Mental Health, and Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Japanese Psychological Research. 2018;60(2):87-98.
Cohen RG, Baer JL, Ravichandra R, Kral D, McGowan C, Cacciatore TW. Lighten Up! Postural Instructions Affect Static and Dynamic Balance in Healthy Older Adults. Innov Aging. 2020 Mar 24;4(2):igz056. doi: 10.1093/geroni/igz056. eCollection 2020.
PubMed 32226825
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Jan 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Alexander Techniques and Feldenkrais Method on Balance, Fear of Fall and Quality of Life in Patients With Parkinson's Disease.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06750224
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/0248
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Keywords
- Alexander techniques, balance, Feldenkrais method, fear of fall, quality of life, Parkinson's disease
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Feb 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 May 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 27 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed 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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| alexander | Experimental | Other: Alexander techniqueGroup A will receive therapy according to Alexander techniques for every alternate day (3 days per week) for 8 weeks. Total 40 minutes of session. |
| feldenkrais | Experimental | Other: Feldenkrais methodGroup B will receive therapy according to Feldenkrais method for every alternate day (3 days per week) for 8 weeks. Total 40 minutes of session |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 50 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Recent surgery or any fracture
- Visual and hearing impairments.
- CVS impairments that interfered with therapy
- Joint pain or musculoskeletal problem that interfered with therapy
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander technique24 sessions for 8 weeks, per week 3 sessions will be given | Other | alexander |
| Feldenkrais methodThe method is divided into eight lessons according to 'Awareness Through Movement'. Each lesson will be given three times for one week. | Other | feldenkrais |
Primary outcome
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.
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.
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).
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.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Jan 2025.
- BackgroundTeixeira-Machado L, de Araújo FM, Menezes MA, Cunha FA, Menezes T, Ferreira CdS, et al. Feldenkrais method and functionality in Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial. International Journal on Disability and Human Development. 2017;16(1):59-66.
- BackgroundSedaghati P, Goudarzian M, Daneshmandi H, Ardjmand A. Effects of Alexander-based corrective techniques on forward flexed posture, risk of fall, and fear of falling in idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Archives of Neuroscience. 2018;5(2).
- Background: PubMed 35248289Hafezi M, Rahemi Z, Ajorpaz NM, Izadi FS. The effect of the Alexander Technique on pain intensity in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2022 Jan;29:54-59. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.09.025. Epub 2021 Oct 9.
- Background: PubMed 34724780Kang SH, Kim J, Kim I, Moon YA, Park S, Koh SB. Dance Intervention Using the Feldenkrais Method Improves Motor, and Non-Motor Symptoms and Gait in Parkinson's Disease: A 12-Month Study. J Mov Disord. 2022 Jan;15(1):53-57. doi: 10.14802/jmd.21086. Epub 2021 Nov 3.
- BackgroundGross M, Condie C, Grieb J, Cohen R. Poised for Parkinson's: Retention of benefits 6-7 months after Alexander technique synchronous online group course. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2022;103(12):e150.
- BackgroundBabaei H, Alizadeh MH, Minoonezhad H, Movahed A, Maher R. Effectiveness of the Alexander Technique on quality of life in young men with upper crossed syndrome. Physical Treatments-Specific Physical Therapy Journal. 2024;14(2):125-36.
- Background: PubMed 36360614Berland R, Marques-Sule E, Marin-Mateo JL, Moreno-Segura N, Lopez-Ridaura A, Sentandreu-Mano T. Effects of the Feldenkrais Method as a Physiotherapy Tool: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 22;19(21):13734. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192113734.
- BackgroundPour Kamali T, Yazdkhasti F, Oreyzi HR, Chitsaz A. A Comparison of Effectiveness of Dohsa-hou and the Alexander Technique on Happiness, Social Adjustment, Hope, Mental Health, and Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Japanese Psychological Research. 2018;60(2):87-98.
- Background: PubMed 32226825Cohen RG, Baer JL, Ravichandra R, Kral D, McGowan C, Cacciatore TW. Lighten Up! Postural Instructions Affect Static and Dynamic Balance in Healthy Older Adults. Innov Aging. 2020 Mar 24;4(2):igz056. doi: 10.1093/geroni/igz056. eCollection 2020.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Sabiha Arshad, M.Phill principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Alexander technique and Feldenkrais method in people with Parkinson Disease, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Jan 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Berg balance scale (time frame: 8 weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06750224, which also lists 9 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 Jan 2025.