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. 2012 Sep 12;2012(9):CD000995.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000995.pub2.

Alexander technique for chronic asthma

Jane A Dennis  1 , Christopher J Cates
Affiliations

Alexander technique for chronic asthma

Jane A Dennis et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: 'The Alexander technique' is a taught form of physical therapy involving a series of movements designed to correct posture and bring the body into natural alignment with the object of helping it to function efficiently, and is reported to aid relaxation. Some practitioners claim benefits for those who desire greater ease and efficiency of breathing, including asthmatics.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of the Alexander technique in people with chronic, stable asthma.

Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field trials register and the bibliographies of relevant articles. The most recent search was run in June 2012.

Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials of Alexander technique (AT) for the improvement of the symptoms of chronic, stable asthma, comparing the treatment with either another intervention or no intervention.

Data collection and analysis: No trials were found that met the selection criteria.

Main results: No meta-analysis could be performed.

Authors' conclusions: Robust, well-designed randomised controlled trials are required in order to test claims by practitioners that AT can have a positive effect on the symptoms of chronic asthma and thereby help people with asthma to reduce medication.

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Conflict of interest statement

None known.

Update of

References

References to studies excluded from this review

Austin 1992 {published data only}
    1. Austin JH, Ausubel P. Enhanced respiratory muscular function in normal adults after lessons in proprioceptive musculosketal education. Chest 1992;102(2):486‐90. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0012‐3692] - PubMed

Additional references

ATI 1999
    1. Alexander Technique International (ATI). The world‐wide professional organization for the F. M. Alexander Technique. http://www.ATI‐net.com/ 1999.
Ballard 2000
    1. Ballard K, Magonet D, Williamson M, Wohl M, Mills C, Kiefer S. Alexander Technique in the UK: possibilities for future research into the Alexander Technique. http://www.stat.org.uk/presentpage.htm 2000.
Barlow 1973
    1. Barlow W. The Alexander principle. 2nd Edition. London: Gollancz, 1990.
Cochrane Handbook
    1. Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.0.0 [updated February 2008]. The Cochrane Collaboration. Available from www.cochrane‐handbook.org. The Cochrane Collaboration, 2008.
D'Antoni 1995
    1. D'Antoni ML, Harvey PL, Fried MP. Alternative medicine: does it play a role in the management of voice disorders?. Journal of Voice 1995;9(3):308‐11. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0892‐1997] - PubMed
Drake 1993
    1. Drake J. Thorsons introductory guide to the Alexander Technique. London: Thorsons/Harper Collins, 1993.

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