The Feldenkrais Method improves functioning and body balance in people with intellectual disability in supported employment: A randomized clinical trial.

Torres-Unda et al. (2017) ran a randomized trial with adults who have intellectual disability and work in supported employment. Half the group took thirty Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement classes. The other half kept their normal routine.

Each class lasted about an hour. Staff led slow, gentle movements that focused on body awareness and balance. Researchers tested balance and daily physical skills before and after the program.

The Feldenkrais group moved better and stayed steadier on their feet. They scored higher on balance tests and everyday tasks like standing up from a chair.

The no-class group showed no change. Thirty sessions were enough to see real gains in physical functioning.

Ellingsen et al. (2014) got similar balance gains with a mix of aerobics, weights, and balance drills. Their program was shorter but added cardio and strength work. The Feldenkrais study shows you can hit the same balance target with slower, body-only moves.

Kovačič et al. (2020) built on both ideas. They kept the balance focus but added fall-education talks. Falls dropped even more, proving that movement plus knowledge beats movement alone.

Rallis et al. (2025) trimmed the timeline to ten weeks using wobble-board drills. Balance still improved, so shorter proprioceptive work can match the thirty-class Feldenkrais dose.

If you support adults with ID at work, you now have three proven tools: slow Feldenkrais lessons, mixed gym circuits, or quick proprioceptive games. Pick the one your team can stick with. Even one steady session a week can protect balance and keep jobs safe.