SCIENCE LINKS:
Here are some links to studies showing the efficacy of the Alexander Technique:
Information about some recent studies can be found below:
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Randomised controlled trial of Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain – This large scale study sponsored by the British National Health Service that shows the effectiveness of Alexander lessons in treating back pain. Includes an excellent video about the study and about the Alexander Technique. View just the video here. A follow-up study published in the UK medical journal Family Practice showed that the participants in the study who had taken Alexander Technique lessons became more satisfied over time, unlike other participants.
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Alexander Technique Science proves a wealth of information about the scientific basis of the Alexander Technique
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Watch a video describing a systematic summary of research into the effectiveness of the Alexander Technique published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice Read the study here.
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Study Summary: Lighten Up! Trying Hard to “Stand Up Straight” May Interfere with Balance – Study showing Alexander Technique derived instructions were more effective for balance and coordination than trying to “stand up straight”. The summary includes links to the full study, and to several related studies.
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Enhanced respiratory muscular function without exercises – Listen to an interview with Dr. John Austin, MD who conducted the study (poor audio quality)
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Reductions in co-contraction following neuromuscular re-education in people with knee osteoarthritis
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Benefits of Alexander Technique lessons for sufferers of chronic pain – positive results found in this University of Bristol study
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Studies by Dr. Tim Caccitore at the Oregon Health and Science University and University College London Institute of Neurology:
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Increased dynamic regulaton of postural tone through Alexander Technique training – 2010 Study published in Human Movement Science (PDF)
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Prolonged weight-shift and altered spinal coordination during the sit-to-stand in practitioners of the Alexander Technique – 2011 Study published in Gait and Posture (PDF)
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Alexander Technique and Postural Tone (PDF) – an overview of the first study cited above published in the STAT News
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Neuromechanical interference of posture on movement: evidence from Alexander technique teachers rising from a chair – Published in Journal of Neurophysiology, 2014
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Listen to an interview with Dr. Caccitore about these studies Learn more about the equipment used by Dr. Caccitore in his research here
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Hypermobility and the Alexander Technique – Dr Philip Bull, Hypermobility Sociecty Association
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Effects of Alexander Technique on Muscle Activation During a Computer-Mouse Task: Potential for Reduction in Repetitive Strain Injuries – Summary of a study performed at San Francisco State University
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Coordination improvement in Automat Following Alexander Technique Lessons in a Person With Low Back Pain – an article in the Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association
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Exploring the Psychological Processes Underlying Touch: Lessons from the Alexander Technique – article in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
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Francisco Varela and The Gesture of Awareness: A new Direction in Cognitive Science and its Relevance to the Alexander Technique by Rachel Zahn relates cutting-edge developments in the field of cognitive science to the Alexander Technique in a thoughtful and interactive way
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The Role of Postural Reflexes in Health and Well-Being by Gerald Foley (PDF)
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Education of Teachers with Chronic Low Back Pain Based on Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction
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The Alexander Technique and Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Study in Generating Hope for a Degenerative Condition – Podcast Interview with the author of the study