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Parkinson’s, balance and the Alexander Technique

‘Consider the Alexander Technique for people with Parkinson’s disease who are experiencing balance or motor function problems.’

These are the new guidelines from NICE (National Institute for Care and Excellence).1

Along with other Alexander teachers, I know from experience how helpful Alexander lessons can be for anyone with balance or movement difficulties, and it is good to see these benefits being recognised more widely. The NICE advice is largely based on the findings of a clinical trial demonstrating that people with Parkinson’s were able to carry out their everyday activities with less difficulty following one-to-one Alexander lessons, compared with a control group.2 The trial also showed that the skills learnt in the lessons stayed with the people long after the lessons had finished.3 Other research suggests that verbal instructions based on Alexander principles can enable people with Parkinson’s to find better balance and mobility when standing or walking.4

The improved balance gained from learning and applying the Alexander Technique goes hand in hand with improvement in movement coordination and postural support. Again there is research to back this up.5,6,7 Studies with older people have also shown improved balance, postural stability and confidence in standing and walking following Alexander lessons or classes.8,9,10 There has even been a study comparing the walking patterns of qualified Alexander teachers with that of people of a similar age; this showed that older Alexander teachers walked more like younger adults.11,12

Benefits for balance and movement are important, not just for people with Parkinson’s but for elderly people who may be afraid of falling, and indeed for anyone engaged in any activity – sport, dance, and yoga may come to mind but we also benefit from good balance and coordination when hanging out the washing, or doing DIY or gardening.

Contact me to discuss how you could benefit from some Alexander lessons, or find out about other research.

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