title: The Feldenkrais Method(®) can enhance cognitive function in independent living older adults: A case-series.
abstract: Poor cognitive health a major concern of aging individuals, can compromise independent living. More than 16 million people in the United States are affected by cognitive impairment. We have studied the effects of the Feldenkrais Method(®) on cognitive function. In this case series with three participants cognitive function was assessed with the Trail Making Test A and B at baseline and after the Feldenkrais intervention. All participants improved performance on Trail Making Test A and B after completing the Feldenkrais intervention indicating that Feldenkrais lessons may offset age-related decline in cognitive function. The results of this case series warrant larger scale studies on cognitive outcomes of Feldenkrais interventions in clinical and non-clinical populations.
authors.affiliation: University of Memphis, School of Public Health, Memphis, TN 38152, USA. Electronic address: ullmann1@memphis.edu.
authors.forename: Gerhild
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ullmann
authors.affiliation: University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
authors.forename: Harriet G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Cognition; Cognitive decline; Cognitive function; Difference score; Executive function; Exercise; Feldenkrais; Mind-body; Motor control; Motor speed; Older adults; Physical activity; Ratio score; Trail Making Test A and B; Visual scanning speed