OBJECTIVE: The Feldenkrais method (FM) is being promoted for a range of medical conditions. This article is aimed at summarising and critically evaluating the results of randomised controlled trials of FM. DESIGN: Systematic review; literature searches were carried out in 7 electronic databases. All randomised controlled trials of FM were included regardless of indication. No language restrictions were applied. The data were extracted and valuated by two independent reviewers. The methodological quality of the primary studies was assessed with the Jadad score. SETTING: Academic centre, UK. PARTICIPANTS: All human volunteers participating in trials. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. RESULTS: Six studies met our inclusion criteria. They were all burdened with significant methodological weaknesses. The indications included multiple sclerosis, neck/shoulder problems and chronic back pain. All but one trial reported positive results. CONCLUSION: The evidence for the FM is encouraging but, due to the paucity and low quality of studies, by no means compelling.

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A brief summary and a critical assessment of this review may be available at DARE