21 Aug British Medical Journal Back Pain Trial

Significant long-term benefit for low back pain has been demonstrated by a major study published by the British Medical Journal on 20th August 2008.

The Trial:

579 patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain; 144 were randomised to normal care, 147 to massage, 144 to six Alexander technique lessons, and 144 to 24 Alexander technique lessons; half of each of these groups were randomised to exercise prescription.

The Findings:

• 24 AT lessons proved to be most beneficial
• Six lessons followed by exercise were about 70% as effective as 24 lessons
• Long-term benefits unlikely to be due to placebo effect
• Lessons were one-to-one, provided by experienced STAT teachers
• This was a scientific randomised controlled trial

Visit the British Medical Journal website to read the research.

Watch this video about the trial.