Scientific evidence

Scientific evidence

Research has shown that the Alexander Technique can help with balance, breathing, chronic pain, and backache.

For example, a controlled trial of Alexander lessons was published in the British Medical Journal in 2008. Its main conclusion was that individual lessons in the Technique have long term benefits for patients with chronic back pain. Lessons in the Alexander Technique outperformed all control groups.

The back pain study

In this study, 579 subjects with chronic and recurrent back pain were randomized to receive massage, six Alexander Technique lessons, 24 Alexander Technique lessons, or no intervention. In addition, half of the subjects were encouraged to walk regularly. A year later, the group with no intervention reported 21 days of pain per month. The group with massage reported 14 days of pain per month. The group with six Alexander Technique lessons reported 11 days of pain per month, and the group with 24 Alexander Technique lessons reported three days of pain per month. There were no adverse effects. The study concluded that one-to-one lessons in the Alexander Technique from registered teachers have long term benefits for patients with chronic back pain.

Randomised Controlled Trial of Alexander Technique Lessons, Exercise, and Massage (ATEAM) for Chronic and Recurrent Back Pain. Little P et al (2008). British Medical Journal 337:a884.

British Medical Journal Video

Video (Part I) about the study made by the British Medical Journal.

Click for Part II here.

Other research into the Alexander Technique