new BMJ research on Alexander Technique
August 2008: Researchers from the University of Southampton conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of the Alexander Technique. The study was in the British Medical Journal published on the 20th August 2008. It revealed that 6 sessions of the Alexander technique followed up with exercise was nearly as good as the recommended 24 sessions. The trial was called: "Randomized controlled trial of Alexander Technique lessons, Exercise And Massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain."
Hailed as one of the best techniques for dealing with chronic and recurring back pain, the Alexander Technique, which for a long time suffered several sceptical attacks, appears to be completely vindicated. Now it is shown to be more effective than massage and GP referred exercise.
The study consisted of 579 patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain recruited from 64 GP practices along with 59 experienced STAT Alexander Technique teachers to conduct the lessons. All the lessons were conducted on a one-to-one basis by the teachers and the trial was considered to meet all the requirements of a scientific randomised controlled trial.
The patients were equally split into four groups. One group was provided normal care, another was provided massage; the third was given 12 Alexander technique lessons, while the fourth was given 24 Alexander technique lessons. Out of the two Alexander technique groups, half of each was randomised to partake in exercise.
Out of all four groups, the one which was given 24 Alexander technique lessons did best, whereas the group given 6 Alexander technique lessons plus exercise reached to 70% effectiveness of the best group.
...reported on www.healthypages.co.uk/newsitem.php?news=5864
for full bmj findings visit http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/337/aug19_2/a884
Ian Traynar
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