A novel sensorimotor movement and walking intervention to improve balance and gait in women

•Women participated in a 5-day, intensive mind-body exercise intervention.•Outdoor walking and sensorimotor movements were performed multiple times per day.•Mobility, balance confidence and quality of life improved after the intervention.

PurposeThis study evaluated the effectiveness of a 5-day mind-body exercise (MBE) program on measures of quality of life, balance, balance confidence, mobility and gait in community-dwelling women.MethodsThe MBE program was a 5-day retreat where multiple sessions of Feldenkrais®-based sensorimotor movement training and walking were performed daily. Forty-six women aged 40–80 years old participated in either the MBE program or maintained normal daily activity. Two-footed eyes-closed balance, gait characteristics, mobility via the Timed Up and Go test, balance confidence and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention.ResultsWomen in the MBE group experienced improvements in mobility (6%; p = 0.01), stride length (3%; p = 0.008), single limb support time (1.3%; 0.006), balance confidence (5.2%; p < 0.001) and quality of life (p < 0.05) while the control group did not change.ConclusionThis short-term intensive program may be beneficial to women at risk of mobility limitations.