Family Practice Advance Access published online on December 23, 2009
Family Practice, doi:10.1093/fampra/cmp093
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Patients’ views of receiving lessons in the Alexander Technique and an exercise prescription for managing back pain in the ATEAM trial
a Centre for Applications of Health Psychology, School of Psychology
b Primary Care Group, Community Clinical Sciences Division, University of Southampton, Southampton
c Academic Unit of Primary Health Care, Department of Community Based Medicine, University of Bristol
d Department of Social Statistics, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
* Correspondence to Lucy Yardley, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; E-mail: l.yardley{at}soton.ac.uk.
Received 13 February 2009; Revised 6 November 2009; Accepted 30 November 2009.
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Abstract |
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Background. Lessons in the Alexander Technique and exercise prescription proved effective for managing low back pain in primary care in a clinical trial.
Objectives. To understand trial participants’ expectations and experiences of the Alexander Technique and exercise prescription.
Methods. A questionnaire assessing attitudes to the intervention, based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, was completed at baseline and 3-month follow-up by 183 people assigned to lessons in the Alexander Technique and 176 people assigned to exercise prescription. Semi-structured interviews to assess the beliefs contributing to attitudes to the intervention were carried out at baseline with14 people assigned to the lessons in the Alexander Technique and 16 to exercise prescription, and at follow-up with 15 members of the baseline sample.
Results. Questionnaire responses indicated that attitudes to both interventions were positive at baseline but became more positive at follow-up only in those assigned to lessons in the Alexander Technique. Thematic analysis of the interviews suggested that at follow-up many patients who had learned the Alexander Technique felt they could manage back pain better. Whereas many obstacles to exercising were reported, few barriers to learning the Alexander Technique were described, since it ‘made sense’, could be practiced while carrying out everyday activities or relaxing, and the teachers provided personal advice and support.
Conclusion. Using the Alexander Technique was viewed as effective by most patients. Acceptability may have been superior to exercise because of a convincing rationale and social support and a better perceived fit with the patient's particular symptoms and lifestyle.
Keywords. Attitude, complementary therapies, exercise, low back pain, patient acceptance of health care, qualitative research.