Research

Following is an annotated bibliography of selected research studies involving the Alexander Technique.  All were published in peer-reviewed scientific journals or presented at conferences with peer-reviewed abstracts.

To read what the medical community has to say about the Alexander Technique, go to the Science and Research tab on the FAQ page.

You may also try searching for "Alexander Technique" at pubmed.gov.

Alexander Studies Online (ASO)- a scholarly platform with entries on research material directly concerned with the Alexander Technique and references to relevant non-AT material encouraging engagement between the Alexander community and the wider world of science, scholarship and research.

Alexander Technique Science - 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. They reference recent peer-reviewed publications wherever possible.

AmSAT’s Research Committee was formed in 2012 to create and administer a grant program supporting research on the Alexander Technique by teaching members of AmSAT.  Award recipients to date can be found here.  For more information on this program contact info@AmSATonline.org.


February 11, 2021 Research Panel

As part of our Taking Time to Connect Chat series, a dynamic panel of researchers shared their findings with our members. Moderated by Heidi Leathwood, the panel included: Tim Cacciatore, Gabriella Minnes Brandes, Tara Fenamore, Rajal Cohen, and Monika Gross. Here is the recording of this outstanding session:

February 11, 2021: "Research and the Alexander Technique" Panel moderated by Heidi Leathwood, with panelists Tim Cacciatore, Gabriella Minnes Brandes, Tara Fenamore, Rajal Cohen, and Monika Gross

 

Potential Mechanisms of the Alexander Technique: Toward a Comprehensive Neurophysiological Model

Reductions in co-contraction following neuromuscular re-education in people with knee osteoarthritis

Lighten Up: Specific Postural Instructions Affect Axial Rigidity and Step Initiation in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease

Recently published research concludes that lessons in the Alexander Technique lead to significant reductions in neck pain and associated disability.

Neuromuscular interference of posture on movement: evidence of Alexander Technique teachers rising from chair

Taking Charge Choosing a New Direction: A Service Evaluation of Alexander Technique Lessons for Pain Clinic Patients SEAT: an Approach to Pain Management

Evidence for the effectiveness of Alexander Technique lessons in medical and health-related conditions: a systematic review

Alexander Technique: Training for the self-management of workers to prevent musculoskeletal disorders

Prolonged weight-shift and altered spinal coordination during sit-to-stand in practitioners of the Alexander Technique.

Increased dynamic regulation of postural tone through Alexander Technique training.

The Impact of the Alexander Technique in Improving Posture and Surgical Ergonomics during Minimally Invasive Surgery: Pilot Study.

Randomised Controlled Trial of Alexander Technique Lessons, Exercise, and Massage (ATEAM) for Chronic and Recurrent Back Pain.

Patients’ views of receiving lessons in the Alexander Technique and an exercise prescription for managing back pain in the ATEAM trial.

Improvement in Automatic Postural Coordination Following Alexander Technique Lessons in a Person with Low Back Pain.

Effects of Alexander Technique on Muscle Activation During a Computer-Mouse Task: Potential for Reduction in Repetitive Strain Injuries.

Randomized Controlled Trial of the Alexander Technique for Ideopathic Parkinsons Disease.

Functional reach improvement in normal older women after Alexander Technique instruction.

Enhanced Respiratory Muscular Function in Normal Adults after Lessons in Proprioceptive Musculo-skeletal Education without Exercises.

Early Experiences of a Multidisciplinary Pain Management Programme.

Method for Changing Stereotyped Response Patterns by the Inhibition of Certain Postural Sets.

The following list includes a Nobel Laureate speech and a book.

A Study of Stress Amongst Professional Musicians.