Effects of Feldenkrais Method Intervention on Autonomic Balance, Accumulated Fatigue, and Interhemispheric Brain Asymmetry in University Students

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Feldenkrais Method (Awareness Through Movement; ATM) lessons on autonomic balance, accumulated fatigue, and interhemispheric brain asymmetry in university students. A total of 28 participants were assigned to an experimental group(n=13) and a control group(n=15). The experimental group received ATM lessons twice weekly for eight weeks. Preand post-intervention data were collected using pulse wave indices(Omnifit brain, Laxtha, Korea) for autonomic function and EEG-based measures of brain balance. The results showed that autonomic balance increased by 1.04% on the left and 5.50% on the right in the experimental group, whereas the control group showed a decrease change. These differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, interhemispheric brain asymmetry remained within normal range in both groups without significant differences. However, accumulated fatigue increased by 7.30% in the experimental group and decreased by 10.53% in the control group, revealing a significant group effect (F=5.925, p＜.05) and time-by-group interaction(F=5.1427, p＜.05). These findings suggest that ATM may influence fatigue response and autonomic balance, through sensorimotor engagement. The study supports the applicability of ATM for university students and calls for future research incorporating broader physiological and psychological measures.