The effect of the Alexander Technique on pain intensity in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hafezi, Mahboubeh; Rahemi, Zahra; Ajorpaz, Neda Mirbagher; Izadi, Fatemeh Sadat
• Is Part Of: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. Volume 29(2022)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Alexander technique -- Chronic low back pain -- Complementary therapies; Massage -- Periodicals; Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.09.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-8592

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The present study was performed to determine the effect of the Alexander Technique on the intensity of pain in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). Methods: This study is a clinical trial that was performed on 80 patients with chronic LBP in Kashan, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned in control and intervention groups. To assess the participants' LBP, a visual analog scale of pain (VAS-Pain) was completed by both groups. In the intervention group, in addition to routine care for LBP patients, the Alexander Technique was performed in three 60-min sessions per week for 12 weeks. The control group participants received routine care for LBP patients. The two groups completed the VAS-Pain scale immediately after and one month after the intervention. Results: The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics and mean pain intensity score before the intervention ( p > 0.05). Immediately after and then one month after the intervention, there was statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding the mean scores of pain ( p < 0.05). The results of repeated measures ANOVA showed that, in the intervention group, the mean score of pain had decreased over time ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the Alexander Technique was effective in reducing the intensity of pain among the participants. We recommend the Alexander Technique as a useful and effective intervention for reducing chronic LBP.