Research
Rolfing Research
Rolfing® has become the subject of important research, and studies have been conducted at major universities, such as UCLA and the University of Maryland, which document the positive physical and emotional effects of the work. Research has demonstrated that Rolfing creates a more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement. Research also shows that Rolfing significantly reduces chronic stress and changes in the body structure. A study showed that Rolfing significantly reduced the spinal curvature of subjects with lordosis (sway back); it also showed that Rolfing enhances neurological functioning.
The Institute sets high standards for candidates, students in training, and members as reflected by its Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and Continuing Education/Public Workshops. This goal is accomplished through providing a quality-training program in Rolfing structural integration, certifying Rolfing practitioners and providing them with continuing education, promoting research and educating the public about the value of Rolfing.
Three dimensional mathematical model for deformation of human fascia in manual therapy. Chaudhry HR, Schleip R, Ji Z, Bukiet B, Maney M, Findley TW, Journal of American Osteopathic Association, at press
Viscoelastic behavior of human fasciae under extension in manual therapy. Chaudhry H, Huang C, Schleip R, Ji Z, Bukiet B, Findley T, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 11(2), Apr 2007
Passive muscle stiffness may be influenced by active contractility of intramuscular connective tissue. Schleip R, Naylor IL, Ursu D, Melzer W, Zorn A, Wilke HJ, Lehmann-Horn F, Klingler W, Medical Hypotheses, 66(1):66-71, 2006
Active fascial contractility: Fascia may be able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics. Schleip R, Klingler W, Lehmann-Horn F, Medical Hypotheses, 65(2):273-277, 2005
Connecting Tissue and Medicine Conference, East Orange VA Medical Center, New Jersey. Rolfing lecture presentations by Thomas Findley, MD, PhD, Rolf Institute Research Chair, and Robert Schleip, Rolf Institute faculty member, Aug 12, 2005
Improvement in balance with Structural Integration (Rolfing): A controlled case series in persons with myofascial pain. Findley TW, Quigley K, Maney M, Chaudhry H, Agbaje I, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, October 9, 2004, Phoenix Arizona Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Journal , 85(9):e34, Poster 147, Sep 2004
Fifth Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back & Pelvic Pain Melbourne, Australia. Lecture presentation by Robert Schleip, Rolf Institute faculty, Nov 2004
Rolfing. Jones TA, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America Journal, 15(4): 799-809, Nov 2004
World Pedagogy Conference. Rolfing lecture presentation byTessy Brungardt, Rolf Institute faculty member, Winter 2004
Fascial plasticity – a new neurobiological explanation: Part 1. Schleip R, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 7(1):11-19, 2003
Fascial plasticity – a new neurobiological explanation: Part 2. Schleip R, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 7(2):104-116, 2003
Integrating manual and movement therapy with philosophical counseling for treatment of a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case study that explores the principles of holistic intervention.Cottingham J, Maitland J, Alternative Therapies In Health and Medicine, 6(2): 128,120-7, Mar 2000
Treatment of chronic pain through the use of Structural Integration (Rolfing). Deutsch JE, Derr LL, Judd P, et al Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America, 9(3):411-425, 2000
Rolfing: A somatic approach to the integration of human structures. Bernau-Eigen M, Nurse Practitioner Forum, 9(4):235-42, Dec 1998
Structural integration applied to patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a retrospective chart review. Talty CM, DeMasi I, Deutsch JE, Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 27(1):83, 1998
A three-paradigm treatment model using soft tissue mobilization and guided movement-awareness techniques for patients with chronic low back pain: A case study. Cottingham J, Maitland J, The Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 26(3):155-167, Sept 1997
Vagal tone: A physiologic marker of stress vulnerability. Porges SW, Pediatrics, 90(3):498-504, Sep 1992
Effects of soft tissue mobilization on pelvic inclination angle, lumbar lordosis, and parasympathetic tone: Implications for treatment of disabilities associated with lumbar degenerative joint disease.Cottingham JT, Public testimony presentation to the National Center of Medical Rehabilitation Research of the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD; March 19, 1992. Rolf Lines 20(2):42-45, 1992
Shifts in pelvic inclination angle and parasympathetic tone produced by Rolfing soft tissue manipulation. Cottingham J, Physical Therapy, 68:1364-1370, 1988
Effects of soft tissue mobilization (Rolfing pelvic lift) on parasympathetic tone in two age groups. Cottingham J, Porges SW, Lyon T, Physical Therapy, 68:352-356, 1988
Biomechanical structuring for figure skating. Preliminary pilot study report for the US Figure Skating Association conducted by Helen James, Katharine Robertson, and Neal Powers, Olympic Training Center Camp, CO. pp. 1-22, 1988
Children with cerebral palsy. Cindy Potter, 1986
Therapeutic renewal: Rolfing or structural integration. Froment Y, Krankenpfl Soins Infirm, 77(6):68-9, Jun 1984 (Article in French)
Functional evaluation of Rolfing in cerebral palsy. Perry J, Jones MH, Thomas L, Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 23(6):717-729, 1981
Effects of structural integration on state-trait anxiety. Weinberg RS, Hunt VV, Journal of Clinical Psychology, 35(2), April 1979
A study of Structural Integration from neuromuscular, energy field & emotional approaches. Hunt VV, Massey W, Weinberg R, Bruyere R, Hahn PM, Research Report submitted to Rolf Institute, UCLA Dept. of Kinesiology, 1977
Electromyographic evaluation of Structural Integration techniques. Hunt V, Massey W, Psychoenergetic Systems, Gordon & Breach Science Pub, UK, 2:199-210, 1977
Interrelationships between anxiety, motor behavior and electromyography. Weinberg RS, Hunt VV, Journal of Motor Behavior, 8(3) 219-224, 1976
Psychological effects of structural integration. Pratt TC, Psychological Reports, 35(2):856, Oct 1974
Structural integration . A contribution to the understanding of stress. Rolf IP, Confinia Psychiatrica, 16(2):69-79, 1973
Stress, stimulus intensity control, and the structural integration technique. Silverman J, Rappaport M, Hopkins HK, Ellman G, Hubbard R, Belleza T, Baldwin T, Griffin R, Kling R, Confinia Psychiatrica, Karger Publisher, Switzerland, 16(3):201-19, 1973
Project breakthrough. Foundation for Brain Injured Children, NYC, 1963
Structural Integration. Rolf IP, Journal of the Institute of Comparative Study of History Philosophical Sciences, 1(1):3-19, 1963
Structural integration. Dr. Ida Rolf, Rockefeller Institute, NY, 1918-1927
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