Comparative Effects of Alexander Techniques and Feldenkrais Method in Parkinson's Disease

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Parkinson Disease

• Registration Number: NCT06750224
• Lead Sponsor: Riphah International University

Brief 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. Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method have shown effects in improving overall well-being.

The study will be 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 convenience 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.

Basic Information
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Recruitment & Eligibility
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Study & Design
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Trial Locations

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-10-01
• Status Verified: 2024-12
• Study First Submitted: 2024-12-20
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-12-20
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-12-20
• Study First Posted: 2024-12-27
• Last Update Posted: 2024-12-27
• Primary Completion: 2025-02-01
• Study Completion: 2025-05-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 46

Inclusion Criteria

• 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).

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Exclusion Criteria

• Recent surgery or any fracture
• Visual and hearing impairments.
• CVS impairments that interfered with therapy
• Joint pain or musculoskeletal problem that interfered with therapy

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Berg balance scale	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)	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)	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	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.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

General hospital; 🇵🇰 Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan