BodyProgram

根據英國醫學期刊(全球最權威之醫學期刊之ㄧ)2008年八月最新研究結果,學習亞歷山大技巧對於慢性疼痛患者的症狀改善有最佳的成效,以下為該研究的原文摘要,有興趣的網友請上www.bmj.com 輸入Alexander Technique 即可搜尋到全文.

另有在BBC新聞網上針對亞歷山大技巧專訪的影片

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7573448.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7572623.stm

Research
Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain
Paul Little, professor of primary care research1, George Lewith, reader1, Fran Webley, overall trial coordinator and trial manager for Southampton site1, Maggie Evans, trial manager for Bristol site4, Angela Beattie, trial manager for Bristol site4, Karen Middleton, trial data manager1, Jane Barnett, research nurse1, Kathleen Ballard, teacher of the Alexander technique5, Frances Oxford, teacher of the Alexander technique5, Peter Smith, professor of statistics3, Lucy Yardley, professor of health psychology2, Sandra Hollinghurst, health economist4, Debbie Sharp, professor of primary care4

1 Primary Care Group, Community Clinical Sciences Division, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton SO16 5ST, 2 School of Psychology, University of Southampton, 3 Department of Social Statistics, University of Southampton, 4 Academic Unit of Primary Health Care, Department of Community Based Medicine, University of Bristol, 5 Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, London

Correspondence to: P Little psl3@soton.ac.uk

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 was 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.

Trial registration National Research Register N0028108728.