Feldenkrais versus conventional exercises for the elderly.
Tenants in retirement housing given a 6-week program of Feldenkrais exercises were compared with a group given conventional exercises and with control groups given no exercises. Analysis of covariance of preliminary and subsequent measurements failed to yield any significant differences between groups. Measurements included height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, balance, flexibility, morale, self-perceived health status and level of performance of activities of daily living, also the number of body parts difficult to move or giving rise to pain. Several possible reasons are given for the results. Attention is drawn to the necessity of medically screening and monitoring elderly registrants for exercise programs since it is apparent that some sign up who should not.
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D010808:Physical Examination; D005082:Physical Exertion