Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a group-based, treatment combining yoga, reflexotherapy, and biodanza for patients diagnosed with FMD, characterized by weakness (1).

Background: The idea of using yoga, reflexotherapy, and biodanza, arises from scientific evidence that these techniques enhance the interaction between mind and body, promote relaxation, improve coping strategies, and alleviate both physical and emotional symptoms, in line with the recommendations for FMD rehabilitation (2).

Method: This study qualitatively describes the effects of a tailored treatment protocol, based on mind-body group-techniques, offered exclusively, without the addition of specific physical therapy for FMD, applied to 10 individuals with weakness-type deficits (hemiparesis or paraparesis). The intervention consisted of 4 yoga sessions, 4 reflexotherapy sessions simultaneously alongside the 8 biodanza sessions, each delivered weekly. Yoga focused on breathing regulation (pranayama), postures (asanas), meditation (dhyana), and coping strategies (swadhyaya). Reflexotherapy aimed to desensitize pain and muscle contractions in reflex zones through pressure on specific foot/hand points. Biodanza aimed to improve gait for patients requiring partial support, promoting physical interaction, distraction, and emotional conflict processing.

Results: The study included 8 females and 2 males, with moderate-to-severe paresis, either unilateral or bilateral, with an average age of 47 years. At baseline, 4 patients were wheelchair-dependent, 4 used a cane, and 2 required hands support during walking. Symptom onset was acute in all cases, and therapy was started promptly: within 1 month of symptom onset for 8 patients, and within 6 months for the remaining 2. At the final neurological assessment, all patients could walk independently, only 2 showing a cautious gait, but without the need for assistive devices. Among the 8 patients who had suspended work due to FMD, all returned to work by the end of treatment. Patient satisfaction was unanimously positive, as reported through a feedback questionnaire.

Conclusion: It aims to demonstrate that yoga, biodanza, and reflexotherapy, (offered as unique therapy, by therapists trained in the therapeutic guidelines for FMD), may serve as effective therapeutic approach, showing reduced symptom severity, increased walking autonomy, and enhanced self-efficacy.

Patients with FMD treated with mind-body therapy

References: (1) Diagnosis and management of functional neurological disorder, Selma Aybek, David L Perez, | BMJ 2022;376:o64 | doi: 10.1136/bmj.o64
(2) Physiotherapy for functional motor disorders: a consensus recommendation, Glenn Nielse, J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015, Oct;86(10):1113-9, doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-309255
(3) Brain Over Mind, Mind Over Brain: Cognitive Strategies for Regulating Brain Activity, Ashok Kumar Dudi, American Journal of Medical and Clinical Research & Reviews, VL-3, IS -1, doi: 10.58372/2835-6276.1132

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/mind-body-treatment-for-managing-functional-weakness-a-pilot-study/