The Alexander Technique has attracted international scientific interest across a wide array of research fields—everything from pain management, Parkinson’s Disease, and osteoarthritis to the performing arts, posture, and movement. While awareness of the Technique and its benefits has existed for over a century, modern scientific investigations continue to explore and clarify its underlying mechanisms and physiological impacts. This research enriches professional pedagogy, strengthens credibility, raises public awareness, and introduces new options for healthcare.

The richness and depth of inquiry underscore the value the international community places on the Alexander Technique, suggesting its relevance for centuries to come. For further exploration of the science behind the Technique, consider visiting these resources:

• Alexander Technique Science
• Alexander Studies Online
• View an extensive list of reasearch and endorsements

You can find a good overview of all peer-reviewed, published scientific research on the Alexander Technique here

Most research is about:

• Pain (back/neck/chronic pain)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Posture (muscle tone, ergonomic skills)
• Balance, coordination and movement
• Musical performance and injuries

As the Alexander Technique has become better known, a growing number of doctors are confidently referring some of their patients to Alexander teachers. In the UK lessons in the Technique may be covered by the National Health Service.

Highlight of a Landmark Study

In 2008 a major clinical trial of the effects of AT on chronic back pain was published in The British Medical Journal.  The Dutch Journal of Health (Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde) also reported on this article.

579 subjects participated in the trial divided into 4 groups.  One group took 6 AT lessons, one group took 24 lessons, one group had series of massages, and the control group received standard treatment from a doctor.  In addition, half of the subjects in each group were instructed to walk 1/2 hour per day. The two best results, measured one year after the first lesson:

• 24 AT lessons (both with and without brisk walking) showed by far the best result.  Patients reported just 3 days of pain per month, in comparison with 21 days in the control and the massage groups, an improvement of better than 85%.  Patients also reported a 42% improvement in functioning (measured with the Rolland Morris Disability Score), while no improvement was reported by the control and massage groups.
• The second best result was a combination of 6 Alexander Technique lessons with a half hour per day of brisk walking. The improvements measured were roughly 70% of that achieved by 24 lessons.

The Alexander Technique was also shown to be a very cost effective approach.

Other Recent Research Programmes

There have been many other research programmes that have taken place recently and below is an up-to-date list.

• The Impact of the Alexander Technique in Improving (the surgeon’s) Posture during Minimally Invasive Surgery – A 2010 study conducted at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio. View Press Release about the Study.
• Physical Therapy and the Alexander Technique.
• Enhanced respiratory muscular function without eHomepagexercises – Listen to an interview with Dr. John Austin, MD who conducted the study.
• The Alexander Technique and Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Study in Generating Hope for a Degenerative Condition – Podcast Interview with the author of the study.
• Effects of Alexander Technique on Muscle Activation During a Computer-Mouse Task: Potential for Reduction in Repetitive Strain Injuries – Summary of a study performed at San Francisco State University.
• Increased dynamic regulation of postural tone through Alexander Technique training: Abstract
• The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique in London has a page on its website: Scientific Research in the Alexander Technique.
• Improvement in Automatic Postural Coordination Following Alexander Technique Lessons in a Person With Low Back Pain – an article in the Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• The Role of Postural Reflexes in Health and Well-Being by Gerald Foley (PDF).