THE POISE PROJECT: alexander technique for the 21st century
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE & RESEARCH
Research on How the Alexander Technique Works
The Alexander Technique Science website provides an annotated, chronological list of published peer-reviewed studies, including experiments about how AT works and studies that measure physiological or movement changes associated with AT or AT-like interventions. This list is not exhaustive, but rather gives a general overview of the state of current basic research on AT. (From the Alexander Technique Science website)
https://www.alexandertechniquescience.com
Research on the Health Benefits of the Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is an educational method, not a health-care intervention. Alexander teachers do not diagnose medical conditions, nor do lessons typically target specific medical problems. Lessons teach cognitive and attentional strategies that help cultivate postural skill. As a result, Alexander teachers traditionally conceive of health benefits as a side-effect of effective learning, rather than the goal of instruction.
However, one of the most common reason people study the Alexander Technique is to overcome or cope with chronic pain. A 2015 survey of Alexander teachers and their students in the United Kingdom found that:
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of people began Alexander Technique lessons for musculoskeletal reasons, including back symptoms (22%), posture (10%), neck pain (10%) and shoulder pain (6%). The next largest category of reasons was ‘‘General’’ (18%), including general interest in the Alexander Technique, general well-being, tension release and generalised stiffness. Other reasons given included performance (10%), psychological (5%), and neurological problems (3%). (Eldred, J. et al. p. 456)
Since health benefits are experienced by students of the Alexander Technique, AT can be assessed like any intervention, whether educational or therapeutic. If high quality clinical trials establish that the Alexander Technique is effective for particular conditions, then the Alexander Technique may be prescribed by health-care providers. (From the Alexander Technique Science website)
https://www.alexandertechniquescience.com/at-science/at-clinical/
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE RESEARCH SITES
Alexander Technique Science Peer reviewed research on mind, movement, and posture. This site is devoted to improving scientific understanding of the Alexander Technique (AT)—its principles, practices, reported and demonstrated benefits, and terminology. The content ranges from descriptions of direct experiments on the effects of AT lessons to focused explanations of relevant current science to rigorously researched history of the work. We reference recent peer-reviewed publications wherever possible.
Alexander Studies Online Alexander Studies Online (ASO) encourages and communicates Alexander Technique research. We support a global community of people interested in advancing understanding of the Alexander Technique and its teaching through disciplined inquiry.
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE RESEARCH REFERENCES HANDOUTS
General AT Research References Handout
AT Research References Handout: Neurologists
AT Research References Handout: Physical Therapists
AT Research References Handout: Persistent Pain
AT Research References Handout: Geriatric
AT Research References Handout: Musicians
VIDEO SYMPOSIUM:
Current Scientific Research and Models for the Alexander Technique
Presented May 2020 by Alexander Technique Science
Dr. Patrick Johnson (PhD Physics, STAT/NeVLAT certified teacher of AT)
Dr. Tim Cacciatore (PhD Neuroscience, STAT certified teacher of AT)
Assoc. Prof. Rajal Cohen (PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology University of Idaho, AmSAT certified teacher of AT)
Prof. Ian Loram (PhD, Professor of Neuromuscular Control of Human Movement, Manchester Metropolitan University, PAAT certified teacher of AT)
Dr. Patrick Johnson
“The Challenges of AT Science and Introduction to the Speakers” (10 min.)
Q&A with Dr. Johnson (4 min.)
Dr. Tim Cacciatore
“A Central Role for Postural State in the AT” (23 min.)
Q&A with Dr. Cacciatore (10 min.)
Assoc. Prof. Rajal Cohen
“Inhibition and Posture, Deep Muscle Activation, Parkinson’s and AT.” (22 min.)
Q&A with Dr. Cohen (10 min.)
Prof. Ian Loram
“Proactive Selective Inhibition Targeted at the Neck Muscles & Model for AT Learning.” (26 min.)
Q&A with Prof. Loram (8 min.)
VIDEO PANEL DISCUSSION: Research on Alexander Technique
Presented February 2021 by The American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT)
AmSAT hosted a dynamic panel of researchers who shared their findings on their AT based studies. The panel included: Tim Cacciatore, Gabriella Minnes Brandes, Tara Fenamore, Rajal Cohen, and Monika Gross. Moderated by Heidi Leathwood.
Presentation Slides:
Cohen
Fenamore
Gross
Minnes Brandes - notes