Improvement in automatic postural coordination following Alexander Technique lessons in a person with low back pain

Timothy W. Cacciatore, Fay B. Horak, Sharon Henry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and Purpose. The relationship between abnormal postural coordination and back pain is unclear. The Alexander Technique (AT) aims to improve postural coordination by using conscious processes to alter automatic postural coordination and ongoing muscular activity, and it has been reported to reduce low back pain. This case report describes the use of the AT with a client with low back pain and the observed changes in automatic postural responses and back pain. Case Description. The client was a 49-year-old woman with a 25-year history of left-sided, idiopathic, lumbrosacral back pain. Automatic postural coordination was measured using a force plate during horizontal platform translations and one-legged standing. Outcomes. The client was tested monthly for 4 months before AT lessons and for 3 months after lessons. Before lessons, she consistently had laterally asymmetric automatic postural responses to translations. After AT lessons, the magnitude and asymmetry of her responses and balance improved and her low back pain decreased. Discussion. Further research is warranted to study whether AT lessons improve low back pain-associated abnormalities in automatic postural coordination and whether improving automatic postural coordination helps to reduce low back pain.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)565-578
Number of pages14
JournalPhysical therapy
Volume85
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2005

Keywords

  • Back pain
  • Balance
  • Motor control
  • Motor learning
  • Posture

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Improvement in automatic postural coordination following Alexander Technique lessons in a person with low back pain'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this