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Isbn - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Alexander Technique Workbook
2004Co-Authors: IsbnAbstract:Alexander Technique Workbook, Ziele, Adressen, Mitglied in, Aktionen, Kontakt, Studio fur F.M. Alexander - Technik in Frankfurt am Main, Lernen, Lehren, Voraussetzungen, Lektionen, Seminare, Veranstaltungen, Unterricht, Preise, Erfolge, F.M. Alexander, Definition, Kommentare, Grundbegriffe, Literatur, Prominete, Aktion, Glossar, Themen, Gesundheit am Arbeitsplatz, Augen, Kooperationen, Golf, Musik, Medizin, Yoga, Wellness, Presse, Fachliteratur, Tageszeitungen, Periodika, Internet, Manuskripte, Fragen, Wer macht, Wem hilft, Wer braucht, Was ist, Warum, Wozu, Welche Krankheiten, Zahlt Krankenkassen, Wie erklart
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Guided Lessons for Students of the Alexander Technique
2004Co-Authors: IsbnAbstract:Guided Lessons for Students of the Alexander Technique, Ziele, Adressen, Mitglied in, Aktionen, Kontakt, Studio fur F.M. Alexander - Technik in Frankfurt am Main, Lernen, Lehren, Voraussetzungen, Lektionen, Seminare, Veranstaltungen, Unterricht, Preise, Erfolge, F.M. Alexander, Definition, Kommentare, Grundbegriffe, Literatur, Prominete, Aktion, Glossar, Themen, Gesundheit am Arbeitsplatz, Augen, Kooperationen, Golf, Musik, Medizin, Yoga, Wellness, Presse, Fachliteratur, Tageszeitungen, Periodika, Internet, Manuskripte, Fragen, Wer macht, Wem hilft, Wer braucht, Was ist, Warum, Wozu, Welche Krankheiten, Zahlt Krankenkassen, Wie erklart
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Back Trouble: A New Approach to Prevention and Recovery Based on the Alexander Technique
2004Co-Authors: Back Trouble: A New Approach To Prevention, IsbnAbstract:Back Trouble: A New Approach to Prevention and Recovery Based on the Alexander Technique, Ziele, Adressen, Mitglied in, Aktionen, Kontakt, Studio fur F.M. Alexander - Technik in Frankfurt am Main, Lernen, Lehren, Voraussetzungen, Lektionen, Seminare, Veranstaltungen, Unterricht, Preise, Erfolge, F.M. Alexander, Definition, Kommentare, Grundbegriffe, Literatur, Prominete, Aktion, Glossar, Themen, Gesundheit am Arbeitsplatz, Augen, Kooperationen, Golf, Musik, Medizin, Yoga, Wellness, Presse, Fachliteratur, Tageszeitungen, Periodika, Internet, Manuskripte, Fragen, Wer macht, Wem hilft, Wer braucht, Was ist, Warum, Wozu, Welche Krankheiten, Zahlt Krankenkassen, Wie erklart
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Scientific and Humanistic Contributions of Frank Pierce Jones on the F. Matthias Alexander Technique
2004Co-Authors: Scientific, IsbnAbstract:Scientific and Humanistic Contributions of Frank Pierce Jones on the F. Matthias Alexander Technique , Ziele, Adressen, Mitglied in, Aktionen, Kontakt, Studio fur F.M. Alexander - Technik in Frankfurt am Main, Lernen, Lehren, Voraussetzungen, Lektionen, Seminare, Veranstaltungen, Unterricht, Preise, Erfolge, F.M. Alexander, Definition, Kommentare, Grundbegriffe, Literatur, Prominete, Aktion, Glossar, Themen, Gesundheit am Arbeitsplatz, Augen, Kooperationen, Golf, Musik, Medizin, Yoga, Wellness, Presse, Fachliteratur, Tageszeitungen, Periodika, Internet, Manuskripte, Fragen, Wer macht, Wem hilft, Wer braucht, Was ist, Warum, Wozu, Welche Krankheiten, Zahlt Krankenkassen, Wie erklart
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The Art of Swimming: A New Direction Using the Alexander Technique
2004Co-Authors: IsbnAbstract:The Art of Swimming: A New Direction Using the Alexander Technique, Ziele, Adressen, Mitglied in, Aktionen, Kontakt, Studio fur F.M. Alexander - Technik in Frankfurt am Main, Lernen, Lehren, Voraussetzungen, Lektionen, Seminare, Veranstaltungen, Unterricht, Preise, Erfolge, F.M. Alexander, Definition, Kommentare, Grundbegriffe, Literatur, Prominete, Aktion, Glossar, Themen, Gesundheit am Arbeitsplatz, Augen, Kooperationen, Golf, Musik, Medizin, Yoga, Wellness, Presse, Fachliteratur, Tageszeitungen, Periodika, Internet, Manuskripte, Fragen, Wer macht, Wem hilft, Wer braucht, Was ist, Warum, Wozu, Welche Krankheiten, Zahlt Krankenkassen, Wie erklart
Paul Little - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Alexander Technique and Supervised Physiotherapy Exercises in back paiN (ASPEN): a four-group randomised feasibility trial
Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation, 2014Co-Authors: Paul Little, George Lewith, Beth Stuart, Maria Stokes, Carolyn Nicholls, Lisa Roberts, Stephen J. Preece, Tim Cacciatore, Simon Brown, Adam W.a. GeraghtyAbstract:Background: The Alexander Technique probably helps back pain but it is unclear whether or not it can be combined with physiotherapy exercise classes, how many lessons are needed and what mechanisms might be involved. Objectives: To undertake a feasibility trial of the Alexander Technique and supervised exercise classes and perform exploratory biomechanical and neuromuscular physiological marker analyses to better understand mediators of recovery. Design: Feasibility parallel-group randomised controlled trial. Setting: General practices in southern England. Participants: Patients with recurrent back pain (at least 3 weeks’ duration of a current episode). Interventions: Participants were allocated by an external randomisation line to four groups: (1) normal care, (2) 10 Alexander Technique lessons, (3) 12 physiotherapy exercise classes, (4) Alexander Technique lessons plus exercise classes. Main outcome measures: The feasibility outcomes were recruitment, acceptability and follow-up. The clinical outcomes were the Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), days in pain, the Von Korff pain and disability scale, overall improvement, fear of activity, enablement, the Oswestry Disability Index and the Aberdeen pain and function scale. Laboratory-based markers were axial muscle tone and flexibility, electrical activity, muscle tone and mechanical properties of elasticity and stiffness, trunk strength, and proprioception. Results: In total, 83 patients consented, 69 were randomised and 56 (81%) were followed up at 6 months. Most patients had long-standing pain (median >300 days of pain). The RMDQ and other instruments were sensitive to change and the preliminary evidence suggests that the Aberdeen scale could be a useful measure. Study procedures were feasible and three methods of recruitment were successfully piloted. At 6 months the control group had changed little (RMDQ 1 point lower than at baseline) and, compared with the control group, clinically important improvements in RMDQ were seen in all groups, albeit not significant [Alexander Technique −3.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) −6.7 to 0.8]; exercise classes −2.9, 95% CI −6.5 to 0.8; combined Alexander Technique + exercise classes −2.50, 9% CI −6.20 to 1.19]. Novel biomechanical variables strongly associated with RMDQ score at 6 months were muscle tone (0.94 increase in RMDQ per unit increase in Hz, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.40; p < 0.0001), lumbar proprioception (1.48 increase in RMDQ per degree, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.12; p < 0.0001) and muscle elasticity (−4.86 increase in RMDQ per unit log decrement, 95% CI −0.01 to −9.72; p < 0.05). At 3 months the Alexander Technique improved proprioception and exercise classes improved trunk extension strength. At 6 months the Alexander Technique improved the timing of multifidus muscle onset and the active straight leg raise test and exercise classes improved multifidus muscle thickness and the ability to contract. The combined effects of the Alexander Technique and exercise classes were improvements in muscle tone, elasticity and thickness and contractile ability. These observations provide possible links between intervention, proprioception, muscle tone and elasticity and outcome. In terms of harms, one patient fell in the exercise class group. Conclusions: The trial is feasible and the interventions may provide clinically important benefits. Exploratory analysis suggests that muscle tone, elasticity and proprioception are strongly associated with improved RMDQ score and are likely to be modified by the interventions.
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Participating in and delivering the ATEAM trial (Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage) interventions for chronic back pain: A qualitative study of professional perspectives.
Complementary therapies in medicine, 2010Co-Authors: Angela Beattie, Paul Little, Lucy Yardley, Alison Shaw, Debbie SharpAbstract:To outline professionals' experiences of participation, perceived benefits and acceptability of the interventions delivered in the ATEAM trial (Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage), for patients with chronic or recurrent back pain. Qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted with a purposeful sample of twenty professionals (general practitioners (GPs), nurses, Alexander Technique teachers, and massage therapists). Data were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically using the constant comparison method. Evidence of effectiveness GPs wanted an evidence base for the interventions, whilst nurses, Alexander Technique teachers and massage therapists perceived patient reports of benefit as evidence. Professionals' perception of the acceptability of the intervention: professional perspectives differed, with GPs and nurses viewing the structured nature of exercise prescription and Alexander Technique lessons as more beneficial and acceptable than massage in alleviating patients' back pain. Economic cost: the cost to patients pursuing Alexander Technique lessons and massage was perceived to be a barrier outside the trial. Inter-professional communication: there was little communication between the professionals groups within the trial. Valuable insights have been gained into the perceived benefits and acceptability of exercise, Alexander Technique lessons and massage as interventions for chronic back pain. Lessons in the Alexander Technique with or without exercise, was perceived as more beneficial and acceptable than massage by professionals who participated and delivered the ATEAM trial interventions. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Participating in and delivering the ATEAM trial (Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage) interventions for chronic back pain: A qualitative study of professional perspectives.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2010Co-Authors: Angela Beattie, Paul Little, Lucy Yardley, Alison Shaw, Deborah SharpAbstract:Objectives: To outline professionals' experiences of participation, perceived benefits and acceptability of the interventions delivered in the ATEAM trial (Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage), for patients with chronic or recurrent back pain. Design: Qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted with a purposeful sample of twenty professionals (general practitioners (GPs), nurses, Alexander Technique teachers, and massage therapists). Data were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically using the constant comparison method. Results: Evidence of effectiveness GPs wanted an evidence base for the interventions, whilst nurses, Alexander Technique teachers and massage therapists perceived patient reports of benefit as evidence. Professionals' perception of the acceptability of the intervention: professional perspectives differed, with GPs and nurses viewing the structured nature of exercise prescription and Alexander Technique lessons as more beneficial and acceptable than massage in alleviating patients' back pain. Economic cost: the cost to patients pursuing Alexander Technique lessons and massage was perceived to be a barrier outside the trial. Inter-professional communication: there was little communication between the professionals groups within the trial. Conclusions: Valuable insights have been gained into the perceived benefits and acceptability of exercise, Alexander Technique lessons and massage as interventions for chronic back pain. Lessons in the Alexander Technique with or without exercise, was perceived as more beneficial and acceptable than massage by professionals who participated and delivered the ATEAM trial interventions. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.
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Patients' views of receiving lessons in the Alexander Technique and an exercise prescription for managing back pain in the ATEAM trial.
Family Practice, 2009Co-Authors: Lucy Yardley, Jane Barnett, Angela Beattie, Maggie Evans, Karen Middleton, Fran Webley, Pete Smith, Laura Dennison, Rebecca Coker, Paul LittleAbstract:Methods. A questionnaire assessing attitudes to the intervention, based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, was completed at baseline and 3-month follow-up by 183 people assigned to lessons in the Alexander Technique and 176 people assigned to exercise prescription. Semi-structured interviews to assess the beliefs contributing to attitudes to the intervention were carried out at baseline with14 people assigned to the lessons in the Alexander Technique and 16 to exercise prescription, and at follow-up with 15 members of the baseline sample. Results. Questionnaire responses indicated that attitudes to both interventions were positive at baseline but became more positive at follow-up only in those assigned to lessons in the Alexander Technique. Thematic analysis of the interviews suggested that at follow-up many patients who had learned the Alexander Technique felt they could manage back pain better. Whereas many obstacles to exercising were reported, few barriers to learning the Alexander Technique were described, since it ‘made sense’, could be practiced while carrying out everyday activities or relaxing, and the teachers provided personal advice and support. Conclusion. Using the Alexander Technique was viewed as effective by most patients. Acceptability may have been superior to exercise because of a convincing rationale and social support and a better perceived fit with the patient’s particular symptoms and lifestyle.
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Randomised controlled trial of Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain
British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2008Co-Authors: Paul Little, Kathleen Ballard, Jane Barnett, Angela Beattie, Maggie Evans, George Lewith, Karen Middleton, Frances Oxford, Fran Webley, Pete SmithAbstract:OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of lessons in the Alexander Technique, massage therapy, and advice from a doctor to take exercise (exercise prescription) along with nurse delivered behavioural counselling for patients with chronic or recurrent back pain. DESIGN: Factorial randomised trial. Setting 64 general practices in England. PARTICIPANTS: 579 patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain; 144 were randomised to normal care, 147 to massage, 144 to six Alexander Technique lessons, and 144 to 24 Alexander Technique lessons; half of each of these groups were randomised to exercise prescription. INTERVENTIONS: Normal care (control), six sessions of massage, six or 24 lessons on the Alexander Technique, and prescription for exercise from a doctor with nurse delivered behavioural counselling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Roland Morris disability score (number of activities impaired by pain) and number of days in pain. RESULTS: Exercise and lessons in the Alexander Technique, but not massage, remained effective at one year (compared with control Roland disability score 8.1: massage -0.58, 95% confidence interval -1.94 to 0.77, six lessons -1.40, -2.77 to -0.03, 24 lessons -3.4, -4.76 to -2.03, and exercise -1.29, -2.25 to -0.34). Exercise after six lessons achieved 72% of the effect of 24 lessons alone (Roland disability score -2.98 and -4.14, respectively). Number of days with back pain in the past four weeks were lower after lessons (compared with control median 21 days: 24 lessons -18, six lessons -10, massage -7) and quality of life improved significantly. No significant harms were reported. CONCLUSIONS: One to one lessons in the Alexander Technique from registered teachers have long term benefits for patients with chronic back pain. Six lessons followed by exercise prescription were nearly as effective as 24 lessons.
Angela Beattie - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Participating in and delivering the ATEAM trial (Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage) interventions for chronic back pain: A qualitative study of professional perspectives.
Complementary therapies in medicine, 2010Co-Authors: Angela Beattie, Paul Little, Lucy Yardley, Alison Shaw, Debbie SharpAbstract:To outline professionals' experiences of participation, perceived benefits and acceptability of the interventions delivered in the ATEAM trial (Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage), for patients with chronic or recurrent back pain. Qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted with a purposeful sample of twenty professionals (general practitioners (GPs), nurses, Alexander Technique teachers, and massage therapists). Data were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically using the constant comparison method. Evidence of effectiveness GPs wanted an evidence base for the interventions, whilst nurses, Alexander Technique teachers and massage therapists perceived patient reports of benefit as evidence. Professionals' perception of the acceptability of the intervention: professional perspectives differed, with GPs and nurses viewing the structured nature of exercise prescription and Alexander Technique lessons as more beneficial and acceptable than massage in alleviating patients' back pain. Economic cost: the cost to patients pursuing Alexander Technique lessons and massage was perceived to be a barrier outside the trial. Inter-professional communication: there was little communication between the professionals groups within the trial. Valuable insights have been gained into the perceived benefits and acceptability of exercise, Alexander Technique lessons and massage as interventions for chronic back pain. Lessons in the Alexander Technique with or without exercise, was perceived as more beneficial and acceptable than massage by professionals who participated and delivered the ATEAM trial interventions. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Participating in and delivering the ATEAM trial (Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage) interventions for chronic back pain: A qualitative study of professional perspectives.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2010Co-Authors: Angela Beattie, Paul Little, Lucy Yardley, Alison Shaw, Deborah SharpAbstract:Objectives: To outline professionals' experiences of participation, perceived benefits and acceptability of the interventions delivered in the ATEAM trial (Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage), for patients with chronic or recurrent back pain. Design: Qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted with a purposeful sample of twenty professionals (general practitioners (GPs), nurses, Alexander Technique teachers, and massage therapists). Data were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically using the constant comparison method. Results: Evidence of effectiveness GPs wanted an evidence base for the interventions, whilst nurses, Alexander Technique teachers and massage therapists perceived patient reports of benefit as evidence. Professionals' perception of the acceptability of the intervention: professional perspectives differed, with GPs and nurses viewing the structured nature of exercise prescription and Alexander Technique lessons as more beneficial and acceptable than massage in alleviating patients' back pain. Economic cost: the cost to patients pursuing Alexander Technique lessons and massage was perceived to be a barrier outside the trial. Inter-professional communication: there was little communication between the professionals groups within the trial. Conclusions: Valuable insights have been gained into the perceived benefits and acceptability of exercise, Alexander Technique lessons and massage as interventions for chronic back pain. Lessons in the Alexander Technique with or without exercise, was perceived as more beneficial and acceptable than massage by professionals who participated and delivered the ATEAM trial interventions. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.
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Patients' views of receiving lessons in the Alexander Technique and an exercise prescription for managing back pain in the ATEAM trial.
Family Practice, 2009Co-Authors: Lucy Yardley, Jane Barnett, Angela Beattie, Maggie Evans, Karen Middleton, Fran Webley, Pete Smith, Laura Dennison, Rebecca Coker, Paul LittleAbstract:Methods. A questionnaire assessing attitudes to the intervention, based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, was completed at baseline and 3-month follow-up by 183 people assigned to lessons in the Alexander Technique and 176 people assigned to exercise prescription. Semi-structured interviews to assess the beliefs contributing to attitudes to the intervention were carried out at baseline with14 people assigned to the lessons in the Alexander Technique and 16 to exercise prescription, and at follow-up with 15 members of the baseline sample. Results. Questionnaire responses indicated that attitudes to both interventions were positive at baseline but became more positive at follow-up only in those assigned to lessons in the Alexander Technique. Thematic analysis of the interviews suggested that at follow-up many patients who had learned the Alexander Technique felt they could manage back pain better. Whereas many obstacles to exercising were reported, few barriers to learning the Alexander Technique were described, since it ‘made sense’, could be practiced while carrying out everyday activities or relaxing, and the teachers provided personal advice and support. Conclusion. Using the Alexander Technique was viewed as effective by most patients. Acceptability may have been superior to exercise because of a convincing rationale and social support and a better perceived fit with the patient’s particular symptoms and lifestyle.
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Randomised controlled trial of Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain: economic evaluation.
BMJ, 2008Co-Authors: Sandra Hollinghurst, Deborah Sharp, Kathleen Ballard, Jane Barnett, Angela Beattie, Maggie Evans, George Lewith, Karen Middleton, Frances Oxford, Fran WebleyAbstract:Objective An economic evaluation of therapeutic massage, exercise, and lessons in the Alexander Technique for treating persistent back pain. Design Cost consequences study and cost effectiveness analysis at 12 month follow-up of a factorial randomised controlled trial. Participants 579 patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain recruited from primary care. Interventions Normal care (control), massage, and six or 24 lessons in the Alexander Technique. Half of each group were randomised to a prescription for exercise from a doctor plus behavioural counselling from a nurse. Main outcome measures Costs to the NHS and to participants. Comparison of costs with Roland-Morris disability score (number of activities impaired by pain), days in pain, and quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Comparison of NHS costs with QALY gain, using incremental cost effectiveness ratios and cost effectiveness acceptability curves. Results Intervention costs ranged from £30 for exercise prescription to £596 for 24 lessons in Alexander Technique plus exercise. Cost of health services ranged from £50 for 24 lessons in Alexander Technique to £124 for exercise. Incremental cost effectiveness analysis of single therapies showed that exercise offered best value (£61 per point on disability score, £9 per additional pain-free day, £2847 per QALY gain). For two-stage therapy, six lessons in Alexander Technique combined with exercise was the best value (additional £64 per point on disability score, £43 per additional pain-free day, £5332 per QALY gain). Conclusions An exercise prescription and six lessons in Alexander Technique alone were both more than 85% likely to be cost effective at values above £20 000 per QALY, but the Alexander Technique performed better than exercise on the full range of outcomes. A combination of six lessons in Alexander Technique lessons followed by exercise was the most effective and cost effective option. How does the Alexander Technique work? What are the authors findings about the clinical and cost effectiveness of the treatment? Watch this video to find out (12 mins).
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Randomised controlled trial of Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain
British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2008Co-Authors: Paul Little, Kathleen Ballard, Jane Barnett, Angela Beattie, Maggie Evans, George Lewith, Karen Middleton, Frances Oxford, Fran Webley, Pete SmithAbstract:OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of lessons in the Alexander Technique, massage therapy, and advice from a doctor to take exercise (exercise prescription) along with nurse delivered behavioural counselling for patients with chronic or recurrent back pain. DESIGN: Factorial randomised trial. Setting 64 general practices in England. PARTICIPANTS: 579 patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain; 144 were randomised to normal care, 147 to massage, 144 to six Alexander Technique lessons, and 144 to 24 Alexander Technique lessons; half of each of these groups were randomised to exercise prescription. INTERVENTIONS: Normal care (control), six sessions of massage, six or 24 lessons on the Alexander Technique, and prescription for exercise from a doctor with nurse delivered behavioural counselling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Roland Morris disability score (number of activities impaired by pain) and number of days in pain. RESULTS: Exercise and lessons in the Alexander Technique, but not massage, remained effective at one year (compared with control Roland disability score 8.1: massage -0.58, 95% confidence interval -1.94 to 0.77, six lessons -1.40, -2.77 to -0.03, 24 lessons -3.4, -4.76 to -2.03, and exercise -1.29, -2.25 to -0.34). Exercise after six lessons achieved 72% of the effect of 24 lessons alone (Roland disability score -2.98 and -4.14, respectively). Number of days with back pain in the past four weeks were lower after lessons (compared with control median 21 days: 24 lessons -18, six lessons -10, massage -7) and quality of life improved significantly. No significant harms were reported. CONCLUSIONS: One to one lessons in the Alexander Technique from registered teachers have long term benefits for patients with chronic back pain. Six lessons followed by exercise prescription were nearly as effective as 24 lessons.
Ursula Wolf - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The Alexander Technique and musicians: a systematic review of controlled trials
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Sabine D Klein, Claudine Bayard, Ursula WolfAbstract:Background Musculoskeletal disorders, stress and performance anxiety are common in musicians. Therefore, some use the Alexander Technique (AT), a psycho-physical method that helps to release unnecessary muscle tension and re-educates non-beneficial movement patterns through intentional inhibition of unwanted habitual behaviours. According to a recent review AT sessions may be effective for chronic back pain. This review aimed to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of AT sessions on musicians’ performance, anxiety, respiratory function and posture. Methods The following electronic databases were searched up to February 2014 for relevant publications: PUBMED, Google Scholar, CINAHL, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO and RILM. The search criteria were “Alexander Technique” AND “music*”. References were searched, and experts and societies of AT or musicians’ medicine contacted for further publications. Results 237 citations were assessed. 12 studies were included for further analysis, 5 of which were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 5 controlled but not randomised (CTs), and 2 mixed methods studies. Main outcome measures in RCTs and CTs were music performance, respiratory function, performance anxiety, body use and posture. Music performance was judged by external experts and found to be improved by AT in 1 of 3 RCTs; in 1 RCT comparing neurofeedback (NF) to AT, only NF caused improvements. Respiratory function was investigated in 2 RCTs, but not improved by AT training. Performance anxiety was mostly assessed by questionnaires and decreased by AT in 2 of 2 RCTs and in 2 of 2 CTs. Conclusions A variety of outcome measures has been used to investigate the effectiveness of AT sessions in musicians. Evidence from RCTs and CTs suggests that AT sessions may improve performance anxiety in musicians. Effects on music performance, respiratory function and posture yet remain inconclusive. Future trials with well-established study designs are warranted to further and more reliably explore the potential of AT in the interest of musicians.
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The Alexander Technique and musicians: a systematic review of controlled trials.
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Sabine D Klein, Claudine Bayard, Ursula WolfAbstract:Musculoskeletal disorders, stress and performance anxiety are common in musicians. Therefore, some use the Alexander Technique (AT), a psycho-physical method that helps to release unnecessary muscle tension and re-educates non-beneficial movement patterns through intentional inhibition of unwanted habitual behaviours. According to a recent review AT sessions may be effective for chronic back pain. This review aimed to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of AT sessions on musicians’ performance, anxiety, respiratory function and posture. The following electronic databases were searched up to February 2014 for relevant publications: PUBMED, Google Scholar, CINAHL, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO and RILM. The search criteria were “Alexander Technique” AND “music*”. References were searched, and experts and societies of AT or musicians’ medicine contacted for further publications. 237 citations were assessed. 12 studies were included for further analysis, 5 of which were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 5 controlled but not randomised (CTs), and 2 mixed methods studies. Main outcome measures in RCTs and CTs were music performance, respiratory function, performance anxiety, body use and posture. Music performance was judged by external experts and found to be improved by AT in 1 of 3 RCTs; in 1 RCT comparing neurofeedback (NF) to AT, only NF caused improvements. Respiratory function was investigated in 2 RCTs, but not improved by AT training. Performance anxiety was mostly assessed by questionnaires and decreased by AT in 2 of 2 RCTs and in 2 of 2 CTs. A variety of outcome measures has been used to investigate the effectiveness of AT sessions in musicians. Evidence from RCTs and CTs suggests that AT sessions may improve performance anxiety in musicians. Effects on music performance, respiratory function and posture yet remain inconclusive. Future trials with well-established study designs are warranted to further and more reliably explore the potential of AT in the interest of musicians.
Sabine D Klein - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The Alexander Technique and musicians: a systematic review of controlled trials
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Sabine D Klein, Claudine Bayard, Ursula WolfAbstract:Background Musculoskeletal disorders, stress and performance anxiety are common in musicians. Therefore, some use the Alexander Technique (AT), a psycho-physical method that helps to release unnecessary muscle tension and re-educates non-beneficial movement patterns through intentional inhibition of unwanted habitual behaviours. According to a recent review AT sessions may be effective for chronic back pain. This review aimed to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of AT sessions on musicians’ performance, anxiety, respiratory function and posture. Methods The following electronic databases were searched up to February 2014 for relevant publications: PUBMED, Google Scholar, CINAHL, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO and RILM. The search criteria were “Alexander Technique” AND “music*”. References were searched, and experts and societies of AT or musicians’ medicine contacted for further publications. Results 237 citations were assessed. 12 studies were included for further analysis, 5 of which were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 5 controlled but not randomised (CTs), and 2 mixed methods studies. Main outcome measures in RCTs and CTs were music performance, respiratory function, performance anxiety, body use and posture. Music performance was judged by external experts and found to be improved by AT in 1 of 3 RCTs; in 1 RCT comparing neurofeedback (NF) to AT, only NF caused improvements. Respiratory function was investigated in 2 RCTs, but not improved by AT training. Performance anxiety was mostly assessed by questionnaires and decreased by AT in 2 of 2 RCTs and in 2 of 2 CTs. Conclusions A variety of outcome measures has been used to investigate the effectiveness of AT sessions in musicians. Evidence from RCTs and CTs suggests that AT sessions may improve performance anxiety in musicians. Effects on music performance, respiratory function and posture yet remain inconclusive. Future trials with well-established study designs are warranted to further and more reliably explore the potential of AT in the interest of musicians.
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The Alexander Technique and musicians: a systematic review of controlled trials.
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Sabine D Klein, Claudine Bayard, Ursula WolfAbstract:Musculoskeletal disorders, stress and performance anxiety are common in musicians. Therefore, some use the Alexander Technique (AT), a psycho-physical method that helps to release unnecessary muscle tension and re-educates non-beneficial movement patterns through intentional inhibition of unwanted habitual behaviours. According to a recent review AT sessions may be effective for chronic back pain. This review aimed to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of AT sessions on musicians’ performance, anxiety, respiratory function and posture. The following electronic databases were searched up to February 2014 for relevant publications: PUBMED, Google Scholar, CINAHL, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO and RILM. The search criteria were “Alexander Technique” AND “music*”. References were searched, and experts and societies of AT or musicians’ medicine contacted for further publications. 237 citations were assessed. 12 studies were included for further analysis, 5 of which were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 5 controlled but not randomised (CTs), and 2 mixed methods studies. Main outcome measures in RCTs and CTs were music performance, respiratory function, performance anxiety, body use and posture. Music performance was judged by external experts and found to be improved by AT in 1 of 3 RCTs; in 1 RCT comparing neurofeedback (NF) to AT, only NF caused improvements. Respiratory function was investigated in 2 RCTs, but not improved by AT training. Performance anxiety was mostly assessed by questionnaires and decreased by AT in 2 of 2 RCTs and in 2 of 2 CTs. A variety of outcome measures has been used to investigate the effectiveness of AT sessions in musicians. Evidence from RCTs and CTs suggests that AT sessions may improve performance anxiety in musicians. Effects on music performance, respiratory function and posture yet remain inconclusive. Future trials with well-established study designs are warranted to further and more reliably explore the potential of AT in the interest of musicians.
