Jeffrey C. Ives

Reprinted with permission from Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, Vol. 74, No. 2, 116-123, Copyright 2003 by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.

SUMMARY
The Feldenkrais Method® has recently been discussed to fit within a dynamic systems model of human movement. One basis for this discussion is that small changes in one system—for example, enhanced body awareness—has far reaching implications across the whole of human performance. An alternative view on the Feldenkrais Method is argued here. It is argued that the clinical data do not support the Feldenkrais Method as being an effective way to improve motor performance. Further, it is argued that positive outcomes in pain and other wellness measures following Feldenkrais interventions can be ascribed to self-regulation. As part of this discussion, the role of body awareness, attentional focus, and kinesthesia in motor learning and control are explored.

Key words: attentional focus, kinesthesia, motor learning, self-regulation

Submitted: March 19, 2002
Accepted: September 30, 2002

Jeffrey C. Ives is with the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences at Ithaca College.

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