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Hollinghurst S, Sharp D, Ballard K, et al. Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain: economic evaluation. BMJ. 2008 Dec 11;337. PMID: 19074232

Researchers at the University of Bristol led this economic evaluation of therapeutic massage, exercise, and lessons in the Alexander technique for treating persistent back pain. They found that six lessons in the Alexander technique combined with an exercise prescription was the most cost-effective option for patients in Britain’s National Health Service. From the discussion:

"Our associated clinical paper showed that an exercise prescription alone had only a moderate effect on disability scores and that massage was unlikely to provide a sustained improvement, whereas lessons in the Alexander technique were effective in the longer term over a range of outcomes. Considering the level of uncertainty around the effectiveness of normal care plus exercise, and taking account of all evidence, we conclude that a series of six lessons in Alexander technique combined with an exercise prescription seems the most effective and cost effective option for the treatment of back pain in primary care."

CAMWatch: Posts about free-access, peer-reviewed articles on aspects of complementary medicine theory, practice and policy (about the blogger). This blog is not a source for medical advice.

technorati tags: complementary and alternative medicine integrative medicine back pain

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Little P, Lewith G, Webley F, et al. Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain. BMJ. 2008 Aug 19;337:a884. doi: 10.1136/bmj.a884. PMID: 18713809

Instructors from the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique teamed with researchers at the University of Southampton and University of Bristol to study the effectiveness of Alexander lessons - given along with massage therapy, exercise prescription, and behavioral counseling - for patients with chronic and recurrent back pain.

From the discussion: 

"A series of 24 lessons in the Alexander technique taught by registered teachers provides long term benefits for patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain. Both six lessons in the Alexander technique and general practitioner prescription for aerobic exercise with structured behavioural counselling by a practice nurse were helpful in the long term; classic massage provided short term benefit. Six lessons in the Alexander technique followed by exercise prescription was almost as effective as 24 lessons."

CAMWatch: Posts about free-access, peer-reviewed articles on aspects of complementary medicine theory, practice and policy (about the blogger). This blog is not a source for medical advice.

technorati tags: complementary and alternative medicine integrative medicine back pain

Comments and Links Appreciated!

A selection of open-access articles from NCBI "What’s New" results this month. Posts on individual papers to come.

• Little P, Lewith G, Webley F, et al. Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain. BMJ. 2008 Aug 19;337:a884. doi: 10.1136/bmj.a884. PMID: 18713809
• Scott JG, Cohen D, Dicicco-Bloom B, et al. Understanding healing relationships in primary care. Ann Fam Med. 2008 Jul-Aug;6(4):315-22. PMID: 18626031

CAMWatch: Posts about free-access, peer-reviewed articles on aspects of complementary medicine theory, practice and policy (about the blogger). This blog is not a source for medical advice.

technorati tags: complementary and alternative medicine

Comments and Links Appreciated!