Randomized controlled trial of the Alexander Technique for idiopathic Parkinson's disease

Stallibrass, Chloe; Sissons, P.; Chalmers, Campbell

doi:10.1191/0269215502cr544oa

Cited by 162 publications

(78 citation statements)

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“…They also showed that kyphosis-induced malalignment resulted in gait impairment and FOF, which could be alleviated in PD patients. Some other researchers, who reported similar findings to our study, used different timebased protocols of ABCTs (44). For instance, Stallibrass et al (2002) using ABCT (44), Goodwin (2011) using an exercise intervention (45), and Sedaghati (2016) (31) using a selective corrective exercise showed improvements in trunk posture alignment.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

“…Some other researchers, who reported similar findings to our study, used different timebased protocols of ABCTs (44). For instance, Stallibrass et al (2002) using ABCT (44), Goodwin (2011) using an exercise intervention (45), and Sedaghati (2016) (31) using a selective corrective exercise showed improvements in trunk posture alignment. However, Sparrow using 3 months of active balance exercises (46) and Khalil using a homeexercise and walking program (47) revealed no significant differences in posture alignment.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

“…However, it is hypothesized that the mechanism relies on the control of muscular effort in ADL. ABCT proposes a novel subjective approach to augment the commands of brainstem motor efferents in postural alignment (44). Therefore, because of improved alignment and reduced tone due to limited movement efforts, PD patients may benefit from ABCT.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of Alexander-Based Corrective Techniques on Forward Flexed Posture, Risk of Fall, and Fear of Falling in Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease

et al. 2018

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Background: Patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) have a flexed posture and are at an increased risk of falls. In addition, fear of falling (FOF) is among the main complaints of PD patients. To reduce the risk of falling, complex non-drug interventions are required, involving balance-challenging exercises with proper strength, along with posture alignment through corrective exercise interventions (Alexander techniques), which are often utilized to manage patients with PD and thoracic hyperkyphosis. Objectives: To investigate the effects of Alexander-based corrective techniques (ABCT) on forward flexed posture (thoracic hyperkyphosis and forward head posture), risk of falling, and FOF among idiopathic PD patients. Methods: In this interventional study, 26 male and female patients were randomly assigned to the experimental (n, 13) and control groups (n, 13). The subjects participated in a postural realignment program, consisting of 60-minute sessions over 8 weeks (3 sessions per week). Pre-and posttest evaluations were also carried out. Results:The results of paired t test regarding the effects of ABCT on the thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), craniovertebral angle (CVA), falls efficacy scale-international (FES-I) score, freezing of gait (FOG), and functional reach test (FRT) score revealed a significant difference between the pre-and posttest stages in the control group (P = 0.05). In addition, the t test results showed a significant difference in the mean changes of TKA, FES-I score, FOG, and FRT score between the groups in the pre-and postintervention stages. The Pearson's correlation test showed that TKA had a significant positive correlation with FES-I and FOG in the groups. On the other hand, the results of Pearson's correlation test showed a significant negative correlation between TKA and FRT. Finally, the Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a significant positive correlation between CVA and FES-I, but not FRT in the groups. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that 8 weeks (24 sessions) of ABCT in the experimental group caused considerable improvements in TKA, CVA, FOF, FOG, and risk of fall in patients with PD.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of Alexander-Based Corrective Techniques on Forward Flexed Posture, Risk of Fall, and Fear of Falling in Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease

et al. 2018

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“…Alexander Technique (AT) (17) Case-control study 24 sessions (two sessions per week for 14 weeks) of AT c (experimental), or light massage to mimic AT (placebo), or no intervention at all (control) 88 subjects with idiopathic PD: n=29 AT n=29 placebo n=30 control…”

Section: Methods Patient Informationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…(15) c AT involves instruction on proprioceptive awareness and focused concentration on muscle tone coupled with light instructive touch. (17) d Techniques applied were 'deep body', not 'light touch'. (19) on palpation at the C6 spinous process and left transverse process, was noted.…”

Section: Methods Patient Informationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Massage Therapy Treatment and Outcomes for a Patient with Parkinson’s Disease: a Case Report

Casciaro

2016

IJTMB

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Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurological disorder. The disease is progressive and, in time, results in severe disability. Many patients turn to massage in an attempt to alleviate symptoms of pain and rigidity, though the effects of massage with respect to PD are not well studied. This case adds one more instance in which massage therapy has provided temporary respite from resting tremor, one unrelenting symptom of PD.Objective: To determine if massage therapy can produce favorable outcomes with respect to the severity of rigidity and tremor in a patient with PD.Case Presentation: A 63-year-old female patient with idiopathic, long-standing, Hoehn-Yahr Stage 4 PD was treated with massage therapy five times over the course of six weeks. A SPES/SCOPA Motor Impairments rating scale was used to measure rigidity and tremor pre-and post-treatment, to gauge treatment effectiveness. The massage treatments consisted of deep longitudinal stroking, muscle squeezing techniques, passive range of motion movements, and general relaxation techniques to encourage a soothing environment while promoting a decrease in muscular tone and hyperactivity. Massage therapy administration was by a student near the end of her twoyear diploma.Results: The results obtained indicated that massage therapy treatment had a positive effect on reducing resting and postural tremor in a patient with long-standing PD. The treatment was also effective in temporarily reducing rigidity during treatment, but did not produce a lasting effect.Conclusion: Further study is required; however, the results of this case were consistent with the limited research available on the subject of massage therapy and Parkinson's disease, in that positive change with respect to tremor-and to a lesser degree, rigidity-were achieved with focused, intentional treatment.KEY WORDS: neurologic disorders; Parkinsonism; tremor; muscle rigidity iNTrODuCTiON Etiology, pathophysiology, and Epidemiology

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Physiotherapy versus placebo or no intervention in Parkinson's disease

Deane

Jones²,

Playford³

et al. 2001

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

177

183

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BackgroundDespite medical therapies and surgical interventions for Parkinson's disease (PD), patients develop progressive disability. The role of physiotherapy aims to maximise functional ability and minimise secondary complications through movement rehabilitation within a context of education and support for the whole person. The overall aim is to optimise independence, safety and well-being, thereby enhancing quality of life. ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy intervention compared with no intervention in patients with PD. Search methodsWe identified relevant trials by electronic searches of numerous literature databases (e.g. MEDLINE, EMBASE) and trial registers, plus handsearching of major journals, abstract books, conference proceedings and reference lists of retrieved publications. The literature search included trials published up to end of December 2010. Selection criteriaRandomised controlled trials of physiotherapy intervention versus no physiotherapy intervention in patients with PD. Data collection and analysisTwo review authors independently extracted data from each article. We used standard meta-analysis methods to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy intervention compared with no physiotherapy intervention. Trials were classified into the following intervention comparisons: general physiotherapy, exercise, treadmill training, cueing, dance and martial arts. We used tests for heterogeneity to assess for differences in treatment effect across these different physiotherapy interventions.

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Randomized controlled trial of the Alexander Technique for idiopathic Parkinson's disease

Abstract: There is evidence that lessons in the Alexander Technique are likely to lead to sustained benefit for people with Parkinson's disease.

Cited by 162 publications

References 10 publications

Effects of Alexander-Based Corrective Techniques on Forward Flexed Posture, Risk of Fall, and Fear of Falling in Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease

Effects of Alexander-Based Corrective Techniques on Forward Flexed Posture, Risk of Fall, and Fear of Falling in Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease

Massage Therapy Treatment and Outcomes for a Patient with Parkinson’s Disease: a Case Report

Physiotherapy versus placebo or no intervention in Parkinson's disease

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