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| Research article summary (published 30 Oct 2002): |
Randomized controlled trial of the Alexander technique for idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
Full Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To determine whether the Alexander Technique, alongside normal treatment, is of benefit to people disabled by idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
DESIGN:
A randomized controlled trial with three groups, one receiving lessons in the Alexander Technique, another receiving massage and one with no additional intervention. Measures were taken pre- and post-intervention, and at follow-up, six months later.
SETTING:
The Polyclinic at the University of Westminster, Central London.
SUBJECTS:
Ninety-three people with clinically confirmed idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
INTERVENTIONS:
The Alexander Technique group received 24 lessons in the Alexander Technique and the massage group received 24 sessions of massage.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
The main outcome measures were the Self-assessment Parkinson's Disease Disability Scale (SPDDS) at best and at worst times of day. Secondary measures included the Beck Depression Inventory and an Attitudes to Self Scale.
RESULTS:
The Alexander Technique group improved compared with the no additional intervention group, pre-intervention to post-intervention, both on the SPDDS at best, p = 0.04 (confidence interval (CI) -6.4 to 0.0) and on the SPDDS at worst, p = 0.01 (CI -11.5 to -1.8). The comparative improvement was maintained at six-month follow-up:
on the SPDDS at best, p = 0.04 (CI -7.7 to 0.0) and on the SPDDS at worst, p = 0.01 (CI -11.8 to -0.9). The Alexander Technique group was comparatively less depressed post-intervention, p = 0.03 (CI -3.8 to 0.0) on the Beck Depression Inventory, and at six-month follow-up had improved on the Attitudes to Self Scale, p = 0.04 (CI -13.9 to 0.0).
CONCLUSIONS:
There is evidence that lessons in the Alexander Technique are likely to lead to sustained benefit for people with Parkinson's disease.
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Author information
Author/s: Stallibrass, C (C); Sissons, P (P); Chalmers, C (C);
Affiliation: School of Integrated Medicine, University of Westminster, London, UK. stallic(-atsign-)wmin.ac.uk
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Journal: Clinical rehabilitation (Clin Rehabil), published in England. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2002-Nov; vol 16 (issue 7) : pp 695-708
Dates: Created 2002/11/13; Completed 2003/03/04; Revised 2006/11/15;
PMID: 12428818, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
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