Research
"Alexander's work is of first class importance and investigation by the medical profession is imperative"
For Back Pain Major research was published in the British Medical Journal in August 2008: Randomised controlled trial of Alexander Technique lessons, Exercise and Massage (ATEAM).
The results of the ATEAM trial, for chronic backpain were impressive: even one year after, participants having had 24 Alexander Technique lessons, were experiencing pain only 3 days a month, compared to the control group with normal care experiencing 21 days a month.
One research trial participant who had 24 lessons and the exercise programme wrote this 4 years later:
"After several years of progressive lower back pain, I followed the usual route of GP, prescribed painkillers and referral to an osteopath. When none of this helped, I tried exercise which only aggravated the pain. I was then lucky enough to be offered a place on the Southampton University Back Pain Trial through Carisbrooke Health Centre. This was a course with Shella Parry, an Alexander Technique practitioner.
I found the treatment/lessons difficult at first and could not see any immediate improvement. However with Shella's patience and experience, over the next few months my mobility increased tremendously. 'Stop, think, move' is ingrained in my mind and I apply it to this day.
I can honestly say that I no longer consider myself as 'having a bad back' and I only have pain when I ignore Shella's instructions or carry out far too much physical work. Learning the Alexander Technique has changed my life for the better."
For Parkinson's Disease Randomised Controlled Trial of Alexander Technique for idiopathic Parkinson's disease, published in Clinical Rehabilitation 2002 (16:685-708).
Clinical Messages: A course of 24 AT lessons leads to sustained benefits in people with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
Sustained benefits are mainly due to the ability to apply the Alexander Technique skills in daily life. To download pdf document click here
Alison Wood shares walking tips & tricks for those living with Parkinson's
For Breathing Austin & Autobel's research (1992) shows four measurable aspects of breathing improved with lessons in AT.
For Balance Ronald J. Dennis's research (1999) showed that elderly people improve their balance and reach, and are less likely to fall when they learn to use the Alexander Technique.
