Possibilities for future research
This paper was presented at a meeting on research and development priorities in the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) professions, organised by the Foundation for Integrated Medicine (FIM) in London on 28th June 2000.
Research proposals from of The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT)
Introduction
Proposals
Possible methods of non-invasive study need to be investigated, which might include
electromyography, functional neuroimaging (PET scan), EEG recording of brain activity,
video recording analysis, self reports.
1b Development of simple measures for verifying Alexander Technique assessment skills
in registering the presence/degree/quality of the factors listed in 1a The results of
investigation 1a are likely to influence what the measures might be. Their introduction could
lead to a more objective and standardised assessment system and facilitate:
Demonstration of Alexander Technique related improvement in localisation of brain activity
correlated with less strain and fatigue, increased skill and ease, would allow the Alexander
Technique to become recognised as a valuable personal resource appropriate to many people;
health benefits are often an unexpected and significant bonus.
3 Measurement of change in physiological functioning. For example:
Pulmonary function tests including measurement of blood gas concentrations using non-invasive
methods in AT untrained and trained subjects from the general population. A rise in blood O2
and/or a fall in CO2 would confirm speculation and provide evidence of one mechanism by which
improvement in general health (and brain function) may occur, following learning and applying
Alexander Technique. This work would follow up the pilot study on Alexander Technique and
respiration: JHM Austin and P Ausubel, Enhanced Respiratory Muscular Function in Normal Adults
after Lessons in Proprioceptive Musculoskeletal Education without Exercises,
Chest, 102, 1992, 486-490. Favourable results would allow people to consider Alexander Technique
when seeking help in connection with related problems and encourage the provision of funding
for RCT's.
4 Investigation of the value of learning the Alexander Technique for sufferers of a
range of disorders. Anecdotal evidence shows that people with the following conditions may
benefit to the extent that their manner of use¹ is a factor in the causation and/or
continuance or exacerbation of the particular disorder. People with incurable conditions can
learn to manage them better.
Formal individual case histories, pilot studies and RCT's are indicated in connection with:
The Alexander Technique (AT) is a method for developing constructive conscious control over
one's own use¹, leading indirectly to improvements in health and in performance. It operates at
the level of interaction between intention, motivation and brain stem function and is taught in
a practical way mainly in relation to postural support, balance, co-ordination and motor control. The Technique has become established in the training of musicians and actors by virtue of its contribution to the development of personal presence and aesthetic judgement.
In recent years the advances achieved in the Neurosciences, Physiology and the study of Movement
have provided theoretical understanding and new methodologies that could permit fruitful
exploration and consolidation of the basis of this Technique.
1a Neurophysiological investigation of what is happening in the neuromotor systems during the
practice of the attentional skills and the adoption of those behaviour patterns recognised by
Alexander Technique teachers (inhibiting; directing; proprioceptive awareness intra-limb and
"limb-trunk-head" co-ordination/disco-ordination; smooth planning, initiation and execution
of movement with continuance of full reflex postural support and expansion of the
musculoskeletal system; unwavering clarity of intention; mental stamina; "pulling down" and
"going up"; "doing" and "non-doing").
Results of these studies would allow appreciation of the relevance of Alexander Technique
as an addition to established orthodox knowledge and practice. They would also form part of the
basis for 1b.
2 Accumulation of evidence revealing the extent to which the fundamental skills taught,
learned and applied during Alexander Technique lessons, facilitate learning/re-learning and
performance quality in daily life. Studies could include:
Note: The state of ease and calm attention to tasks, with reduced irrelevant activity in brain
and body, that is observed during employment of Alexander Technique skills seems identical to
the condition known as "flow". (see Goleman D; Working with Emotional Intelligence, 1998,
ISBN 0 7475 3984 7, p107 and references in notes to chapter 6)
The results would help establish a guide for prospective clients.
1 "Use" and "manner of use" refer to the total behaviour pattern of an individual particularly
when reacting to stimuli, preparing for and engaging in any activity. A person's habitual manner
of use exerts a constant influence that raises or lowers overall standard of psychophysical
functioning.
2 Note: A protocol for an RCT of AT and Low Back Pain has been designed (in a Primary Care
setting). At the time of writing, the outcome of an application for research funding is not
known.
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