Evidence for the effectiveness of Alexander Technique lessons in medical and health-related conditions: a systematic review - PubMed (original) (raw)
Review
Evidence for the effectiveness of Alexander Technique lessons in medical and health-related conditions: a systematic review
J P Woodman et al. Int J Clin Pract. 2012 Jan.
Abstract
Background: Complementary medicine and alternative approaches to chronic and intractable health conditions are increasingly being used, and require critical evaluation.
Objective: The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate available evidence for the effectiveness and safety of instruction in the Alexander Technique in health-related conditions.
Methods: PUBMED, EMBASE, PSYCHINFO, ISI Web-of-Knowledge, AMED, CINHAL-plus, Cochrane library and Evidence-based Medicine Reviews were searched to July 2011. Inclusion criteria were prospective studies evaluating Alexander Technique instruction (individual lessons or group delivery) as an intervention for any medical indication/health-related condition. Studies were categorised and data extracted on study population, randomisation method, nature of intervention and control, practitioner characteristics, validity and reliability of outcome measures, completeness of follow-up and statistical analyses.
Results: Of 271 publications identified, 18 were selected: three randomised, controlled trials (RCTs), two controlled non-randomised studies, eight non-controlled studies, four qualitative analyses and one health economic analysis. One well-designed, well-conducted RCT demonstrated that, compared with usual GP care, Alexander Technique lessons led to significant long-term reductions in back pain and incapacity caused by chronic back pain. The results were broadly supported by a smaller, earlier RCT in chronic back pain. The third RCT, a small, well-designed, well-conducted study in individuals with Parkinson's disease, showed a sustained increased ability to carry out everyday activities following Alexander lessons, compared with usual care. The 15 non-RCT studies are also reviewed.
Conclusions: Strong evidence exists for the effectiveness of Alexander Technique lessons for chronic back pain and moderate evidence in Parkinson's-associated disability. Preliminary evidence suggests that Alexander Technique lessons may lead to improvements in balance skills in the elderly, in general chronic pain, posture, respiratory function and stuttering, but there is insufficient evidence to support recommendations in these areas.
© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Similar articles
- Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain: economic evaluation.
Hollinghurst S, Sharp D, Ballard K, Barnett J, Beattie A, Evans M, Lewith G, Middleton K, Oxford F, Webley F, Little P. Hollinghurst S, et al. BMJ. 2008 Dec 11;337:a2656. doi: 10.1136/bmj.a2656. BMJ. 2008. PMID: 19074232 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial. - Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain.
Little P, Lewith G, Webley F, Evans M, Beattie A, Middleton K, Barnett J, Ballard K, Oxford F, Smith P, Yardley L, Hollinghurst S, Sharp D. Little P, et al. BMJ. 2008 Aug 19;337:a884. doi: 10.1136/bmj.a884. BMJ. 2008. PMID: 18713809 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial. - The Alexander Technique and musicians: a systematic review of controlled trials.
Klein SD, Bayard C, Wolf U. Klein SD, et al. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Oct 24;14:414. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-414. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014. PMID: 25344325 Free PMC article. Review. - Noninvasive Nonpharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review [Internet].
Skelly AC, Chou R, Dettori JR, Turner JA, Friedly JL, Rundell SD, Fu R, Brodt ED, Wasson N, Winter C, Ferguson AJR. Skelly AC, et al. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2018 Jun. Report No.: 18-EHC013-EF. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2018 Jun. Report No.: 18-EHC013-EF. PMID: 30179389 Free Books & Documents. Review.
Cited by
- Self-efficacy and embodiment associated with Alexander Technique lessons or with acupuncture sessions: A longitudinal qualitative sub-study within the ATLAS trial.
Wenham A, Atkin K, Woodman J, Ballard K, MacPherson H. Wenham A, et al. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 May;31:308-314. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.03.009. Epub 2018 Mar 15. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018. PMID: 29705473 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial. - Model of oronasal rehabilitation in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome undergoing rapid maxillary expansion: Research review.
Levrini L, Lorusso P, Caprioglio A, Magnani A, Diaféria G, Bittencourt L, Bommarito S. Levrini L, et al. Sleep Sci. 2014 Dec;7(4):225-33. doi: 10.1016/j.slsci.2014.11.002. Epub 2014 Nov 17. Sleep Sci. 2014. PMID: 26483933 Free PMC article. Review. - The origins of Western mind-body exercise methods.
Hoffman J, Gabel CP. Hoffman J, et al. Phys Ther Rev. 2015 Nov 2;20(5-6):315-324. doi: 10.1080/10833196.2015.1125587. Epub 2016 Apr 8. Phys Ther Rev. 2015. PMID: 27695277 Free PMC article. - An economic evaluation of Alexander Technique lessons or acupuncture sessions for patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized trial (ATLAS).
Essex H, Parrott S, Atkin K, Ballard K, Bland M, Eldred J, Hewitt C, Hopton A, Keding A, Lansdown H, Richmond S, Tilbrook H, Torgerson D, Watt I, Wenham A, Woodman J, MacPherson H. Essex H, et al. PLoS One. 2017 Dec 6;12(12):e0178918. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178918. eCollection 2017. PLoS One. 2017. PMID: 29211741 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
Publication types
MeSH terms
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Medical