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The study randomly assigned 579 patients with lower back pain to four groups who received normal care, massage, a series of six Alexander technique lessons, or 24 lessons of the therapy.
Half the patients in each group were prescribed a walking regimen of 30 minutes a day performed five days a week.
The Alexander technique lessons involved "continuous personalized assessment of the individual patterns of habitual musculoskeletal use when stationary and in movement; paying particular attention to release of unwanted head, neck, and spinal muscle tension, guided by verbal instruction and hand contact, allowing decompression of the spine; help and feedback from hand contact and verbal instruction to improve musculoskeletal use when stationary and in movement," according to the study.
The study, apparently did not compare the technique to various forms of strength and exercise programs common in physical therapy, which is the most widely prescribed method for treating persistent low back pain.
Patients were asked at three months and one year if they felt their condition improved, The assessment was made using a series of questions about whether they felt they walked more slowly or got out of the house more.
After one year patients who underwent the technique and exercise reported fewer days of pain over a four week period. Patients who had normal care reported 21 days of pain compared to those who received the technique lessons who experienced only 3 days of pain.
Massage provided only short-term relief, according to the study.
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