Alexander technique for chronic asthma (Cochrane Review)

A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 02 December 1999. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary.

Background: 'The Alexander technique' is a taught form of physical therapy involving a series of movements designed to correct posture and bring the body into natural alignment with the object of helping it to function efficiently, and is reported to aid relaxation. Some practitioners claim benefits for those who desire greater ease and efficiency of breathing, including asthmatics.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of the Alexander technique in people with chronic, stable asthma.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trial register, the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field trials register and the bibliographies of relevant articles.

Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials of Alexander technique (AT) for the improvement of the symptoms of chronic, stable asthma, comparing the treatment with either another intervention or no intervention.

Data collection and analysis: No trials were found that met the selection criteria.

Main results: No meta-analysis could be performed. An update search conducted in September 2002 did not yield any further studies.

Reviewers' conclusions: Robust, well-designed randomised controlled trials are required in order to test claims by practitioners that AT can have a positive effect on the symptoms of chronic asthma and thereby help people with asthma to reduce medication.

Citation: Dennis J, Cates C. Alexander technique for chronic asthma (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2003. Oxford: Update Software.

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This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).

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