The Alexander Technique and Surgeons

There has been some interesting work going on as a result of the study on the Alexander Technique and back pain published in the BMJ in 2008. An NHS pain management clinic in Kent using AT as one of the ways, including conventional medicine and complementary techniques, to address this huge and debilitating problem.

A group of eight surgeons in Cincinnati, Ohio conducted a study on themselves. All have suffered from back pain associated with the ergonomics of performing a particular surgery, a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery to you and me). Previous studies had found that neck, shoulder and back pain was directly related to performing the surgery. The results were a 'statistically significant difference in the post-AT scores for the nick, spine, shoulder, hands and fingers'. The subjective reports were also positive.

The conclusion? 'This Alexander Technique training program resulted in significant improvement in posture, trunk endurance and surgical ergonomics and was accompanied by reduction and perceived discomfort when performing basic laparoscoic skills.'

Room for future research, I hope.