How we know Getting Grounded Gracefully is Effective
|
|
Of major importance is the fact that each of the three studies found similar results in that they confirmed that Getting Grounded Gracefully:
Research undertaken by the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI), University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia The National Ageing Research Institute is an internationally renowned Institute which is a centre of excellence in Australia for research into ageing and improving the quality of life and health of older people. NARI conducts research in the community, hospital and residential care settings. |
|
|
NARI has undertaken two major studies into the effectiveness of Getting Grounded Gracefully. The first study was a pilot study to establish whether Getting Grounded Gracefully had an impact on improving the balance of older people. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of the Program on 35 women over the age of 65 (average age 74 years). Incorporating a pre-test/post-test design method, it identified significant improvements in both static balance (Lord's Balance Test) and dynamic balance (Step Test) scores for the sample of older women. A client satisfaction survey indicated that the Program was a highly acceptable form of exercise for older people.|
Given the success of the pilot study a further more detailed analysis was undertaken. This involved undertaking a Randomised Controlled Trial of the Program (RCT). A RCT is the most rigorous method of evaluating the effectiveness of exercise programs such as Getting Grounded Gracefully. This RCT demonstrated that Getting Grounded Gracefully is effective in improving dynamic balance and confidence in one’s balance. It also showed that the Program was a highly acceptable form of exercise for older people. This research was published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity and the abstract of this research is included below. The abstract of the NARI RCT study can be found below or click on this link: Getting Grounded Gracefully©: Effectiveness and Acceptability of Feldenkrais in Improving Balance. For a complete copy of this study please contact: info@gettinggroundedgracefully.com.au |
Research undertaken in the School of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaIt is important when doing research that the results obtained are confirmed by other, independent researchers. This study, undertaken through the School of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne, confirms the results of the NARI study.
The abstract of this study can be found below or click on this link: Feldenkrais Method Balance Classes Improve Balance in Older Adults: A Controlled Trial. For a complete copy of this study please contact: info@gettinggroundedgracefully.com.au |
RESEARCH ABSTRACTSGetting Grounded Gracefully©: Effectiveness and Acceptability of Feldenkrais in Improving Balance Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2009, 17, 57-76 © 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Robert Webb1, Keith Hill2, Freda Vrantsidi3, Kirsten Moore3, Susan Hunt3, Lesley Dowson3 1Moreland Community Health Service, Victoria Australia 2La Trobe University, National Ageing Research Institute and Northern Health, Victoria, Australia 3National Ageing Research Institute, Victoria, Australia |
|
|
Feldenkrais Method Balance Classes Improve Balance in Older Adults: A Controlled Trial Journal of Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, eCAM Advance Access published online on June 24, 2009.
Karol A. Connors1,2, Mary P. Galea1,3 and Catherine M. Said1,3
1Rehabilitation Sciences Research Centre, School of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 2Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Caulfield South and 3Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia |
The Getting Grounded Gracefully© program, based on the Awareness Through Movement lessons of the Feldenkrais Method, was designed to improve balance and function in older people. Fifty-five participants (mean age 75, 85% women) were randomized to an intervention (twice-weekly group classes over 8 wk) or a control group (continued with their usual activity) after being assessed at baseline and then reassessed 8 wk later. Significant improvement was identified for the intervention group relative to the control group using ANOVA between-groups repeated-measures analysis for the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale score (p = .003) and gait speed (p = .028), and a strong trend was evident in the timed up-and-go (p = .056). High class attendance (88%) and survey feedback indicate that the program was viewed positively by participants and might therefore be acceptable to other older people.
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Feldenkrais Method balance classes on balance and mobility in older adults. This was a prospective non-randomized controlled study with pre/post measures. The setting for this study was the general community. A convenience sample of 26 community-dwelling older adults (median age 75 years) attending Feldenkrais Method balance classes formed the Intervention group. Thirty-seven volunteers were recruited for the Control group (median age 76.5 years). A series of Feldenkrais Method balance classes (the ‘Getting Grounded Gracefully’ series), two classes per week for 10 weeks, were conducted. Main outcome measures were Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) questionnaire, Four Square Step Test (FSST), self- selected gait speed (using GAITRiteTM instrumented gait mat). At re-testing, the Intervention group showed significant improvement on all of the measures (ABC, P=0.016, FSST, P=0.001, gait speed, .