The following lists some of the main positive effects of AT reported by Alexander teachers and students. Some are anecdotal and have not been subjected to systematic studies. Others have been tested in clinical trials of varying size and sophistication. Where clinical studies have been performed, references are given. Even the reported benefits that have been subjected to clinical trials have not yet been “proven” scientifically. More research into all of these issues is needed.
Improved posture and coordination
- Reduced forward head posture
- Improved spinal and pelvic alignment without fixation
- Feeling of freedom and ease in movement
- Less tension and stress in everyday activities (walking, sitting at a computer, driving a car,doing housework, cooking)
- Improved balance1
- Improved breathing2
Chronic pain reduction
- lower back syndrome3,4
- neck and shoulder pain5,6
- knee pain from osteoarthritis7
- repetitive injuries like runner’s knee and tennis elbow.
Enhanced performance and presentation skills
- Improved vocal projection and reduced tension in the throat during speaking and singing
- Lessen anxiety and stage fright.8
- Improve skills in sports (swimming, running, golf, tennis for example)
- Improved skills in performing arts (dancing, singing, playing a musical instrument8, acting)
- Improved skills in fine motor tasks9
- Better form and control in exercising (as in yoga, Pilates, martial arts, gym, etc.)
Overcoming/reducing physical limitations
-
- Improved mobility/range of motion10
- Improved posture and movement for Parkinson’s patients11,12
- Reduced functional disability due to back pain3
- Reduction in asthma13
Psychological/Mental effects
- Increase energy and mental clarity
- Improved skill in self observation with reduced self critisism
- Reduced depression12
- Improved stress coping skills
- Improved ability to change long term habits
- Increased confidence
References:
1.
Gleeson M, Sherrington C, Lo S, Keay L. Can the Alexander Technique improve balance and mobility in older adults with visual impairments? A randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2015;29(3):244-260. [PubMed]
2.
Austin J, Ausubel P. Enhanced respiratory muscular function in normal adults after lessons in proprioceptive musculoskeletal education without exercises. Chest. 1992;102(2):486-490. [PubMed]
3.
Little P, Lewith G, Webley F, et al. Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain. BMJ. 2008;337:a884. [PubMed]
4.
Hollinghurst S, Sharp D, Ballard K, et al. Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain: economic evaluation. BMJ. 2008;337:a2656. [PubMed]
5.
Lauche R, Schuth M, Schwickert M, et al. Efficacy of the Alexander Technique in treating chronic non-specific neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2016;30(3):247-258. [PubMed]
6.
MacPherson H, Tilbrook H, Richmond S, et al. Alexander Technique Lessons or Acupuncture Sessions for Persons With Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2015;163(9):653-662. [PubMed]
7.
Preece S, Jones R, Brown C, Cacciatore T, Jones A. Reductions in co-contraction following neuromuscular re-education in people with knee osteoarthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2016;17(1):372. [PubMed]
8.
Klein S, Bayard C, Wolf U. The Alexander Technique and musicians: a systematic review of controlled trials. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014;14:414. [PubMed]
9.
Reddy P, Reddy T, Roig-Francoli J, et al. The impact of the alexander technique on improving posture and surgical ergonomics during minimally invasive surgery: pilot study. J Urol. 2011;186(4 Suppl):1658-1662. [PubMed]
10.
Dennis R. Functional reach improvement in normal older women after Alexander Technique instruction. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1999;54(1):M8-11. [PubMed]
11.
Cohen R, Gurfinkel V, Kwak E, Warden A, Horak F. Lighten Up: Specific Postural Instructions Affect Axial Rigidity and Step Initiation in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2015;29(9):878-888. [PubMed]
12.
Stallibrass C, Sissons P, Chalmers C. Randomized controlled trial of the Alexander technique for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Clin Rehabil. 2002;16(7):695-708. [PubMed]
13.
Dennis J, Cates C. Alexander technique for chronic asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(9):CD000995. [PubMed]