Article

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of the Feldenkrais method for relieving pain
in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and the improvement of
interoceptive awareness. METHOD: This study was designed as a single-blind
randomized controlled trial.
Fifty-three patients with a diagnosis of CLBP for at
least 3 months were randomly allocated to the Feldenkrais (mean age 61.21 +/-
11.53 years) or Back School group (mean age 60.70 +/- 11.72 years). Pain was
assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ),
disability was evaluated with the Waddel Disability Index, quality of life was
measured with the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), and mind-body interactions
were studied using the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness
Questionnaire (MAIA). Data were collected at baseline, at the end of treatment,
and at the 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: The two groups were matched at baseline
for all the computed parameters. At the end of treatment (Tend), there were no
significant differences between groups regarding chronic pain reduction (p =
0.290); VAS and MAIA-N sub scores correlated at Tend (R = 0.296, p = 0.037). By
the Friedman analysis, both groups experienced significant changes in pain (p <
0.001) and disability (p < 0.001) along the investigated period. CONCLUSIONS: The
Feldenkrais method has comparable efficacy as Back School in CLBP. Implications
for rehabilitation The Feldenkrais method is a mind-body therapy that is based on
awareness through movement lessons, which are verbally guided explorations of
movement that are conducted by a physiotherapist who is experienced and trained
in this method. It aims to increase self-awareness, expand a person's repertoire
of movements, and to promote increased functioning in contexts in which the
entire body cooperates in the execution of movements. Interoceptive awareness,
which improves with rehabilitation, has a complex function in the perception of
chronic pain and should be investigated further in future research. The efficacy
of the Feldenkrais method is comparable with that of BS for nonspecific chronic
low back pain. The physician can recommend a body-mind rehabilitation approach,
such as the Feldenkrais method, or an educational and rehabilitation program,
such as BS, to the patient, based on his individual needs.
The 2 rehabilitation
approaches are equally as effective in improving interoceptive awareness.

Langue : ANGLAIS