Patricia A. Buchanan and Beverly D. Ulrich

Reprinted with permission from Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, Vol. 72, No. 4, 315-323, Copyright 2001 by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.

SUMMARY
This tutorial describes the Feldenkrais Method and points to parallels with a dynamic systems theory (DST) approach to motor behavior. Feldenkrais is an educational system designed to use movement and perception to foster individualized improvement in function. Moshe Feldenkrais, its originator, believed his method enhanced people’s ability to discover flexible and adaptable behavior and that behaviors are self-organized. Similarly, DST explains that a human-environment system is continually adapting to changing conditions and assembling behaviors accordingly. Despite little research, Feldenkrais is being used with people of widely ranging ages and abilities in varied settings. We propose that DST provides an integrated foundation for research on the Feldenkrais Method, suggest research questions, and encourage researchers to test the fundamental tenets of Feldenkrais.

Key words: dynamic systems theory, intervention, movement, perception-action

Submitted: June 21, 1999
Accepted: March 19, 2001

Patricia A. Buchanan is with the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University. Beverly D. Ulrich is with the Division of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan.

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