Research

Scientific understanding of the Alexander Technique

There is a significant amount of published research about the efficacy of the Alexander Technique in many areas, including back, neck and other pain, osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s, posture, balance, movement & co-ordination, and general wellbeing.

This website is devoted to improving scientific understanding of the Alexander Technique (AT)—its principles, practices, and demonstrated benefits.

Links to research:

Recurrent Back pain

Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons for chronic and recurrent back pain

Parkinson’s disease

Reduced axial rigidity and smoother step initiation in patients with Parkinson’s disease after brief AT-like postural instruction.

Knee osteoarthritis

Reductions in knee pain associated with reduced co-contraction in leg muscles during walking after AT lessons.

Chronic neck pain

Reductions in neck pain associated with reduction in engagement of superficial muscles of the neck after group AT classes.

Modern Pain Science and Alexander Technique: How Might Alexander Technique Reduce Pain?

Clinical research trial - back pain

A research study in the British Medical Journal shows that the Alexander Technique has long term benefits for patients with chronic back pain.

Just 6 lessons resulted in a 48% reduction in days of having back pain and 24 lessons lead to an 86% reduction in days of experiencing back pain. Quality of life also improved significantly.

The Alexander Technique benefits people long-term due to their active participation in the Technique's learning process.

We already notice , with growing amazement, very striking improvements in such diverse things as high blood pressure, breathing, depth of sleep, overall cheerfulness and mental alertness, resilience against outside pressures”

Prof. Nikolaas Tinbergen, Nobel Prize for Medicine & Physiology, 1973 [speaking about the Alexander Technique]