Effects of a Feldenkrais method-based protocol on body fluid balance and stress-related measures in healthy adult women: A pilot study

Introduction The Feldenkrais Method (R) (FM) is a somatic education approach aimed at enhancing awareness and movement. Evidence regarding its effects on autonomic regulation and stress adaptation is limited. This pilot study examined whether a brief FM protocol could influence physiological and psychological outcomes in sedentary women. Methods Twenty-one women (26-59 years) completed the study (IG, n = 12; CG, n = 9). The IG attended eight consecutive Awareness Through Movement (R) lessons (90 min/day). Assessments included heart rate variability (HRV), total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis index, and questionnaires: the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Results In the IG, TBW and ECW decreased significantly (p = 0.002, p < 0.001). HRV parameters showed no significant changes, although the HPA index was higher post-intervention versus CG (p = 0.019). Psychological measures indicated increases in total self-compassion (p = 0.033), self-judgment (p = 0.012), and over-identification (p = 0.017). Between-group analysis showed improved self-acceptance in the IG (p = 0.047). Discussion Findings suggest that FM may influence body fluid balance, though effects on physiological and psychological measures require further study. However, interpretation is limited by small sample size, baseline imbalances, and short intervention. Conclusion An 8-day FM protocol appears feasible and may support physiological and psychological well-being. Larger randomized studies are necessary.