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“I never thought I could do that…”: Findings from an Alexander Technique pilot group for older people with a fear of falling.

Glover, Lesley; Kinsey, Debbie; Clappison, D. Jane; Gardiner, E.; Jomeen, Julie

Authors

Lesley Glover

Debbie Kinsey

D. Jane Clappison

E. Gardiner

Julie Jomeen



Abstract

© 2017 Elsevier GmbH Introduction Fear of falling is a major problem facing the health care system. No clear evidence exists as to the most effective management approach although a need for both psychological and physical intervention is recognised. The Alexander Technique (AT) is primarily an educational holistic self-management approach which improves balance and has psychological benefits. This small scale mixed methods exploratory pilot study investigated changes following, and acceptability of, an AT group intervention for older people with a fear of falling. Methods Twelve volunteers aged ≥ 65 years with a fear of falling took part in a nine-week, 12 session AT group intervention. They completed a range of standardised measures at 4 time points (baseline, immediately pre and post intervention, and one month post intervention). A sub-group participated in a focus group discussion following the group intervention. Quantitative data were analysed using non-parametric statistics, with thematic analysis employed for qualitative data. Results The fear of falling primary outcome measure and other quantitative results were inconclusive, however focus group qualitative data suggested some profound changes with improvements in movement, mood and confidence. A combination of awareness and acceptance led participants to feel empowered to make adjustments to their activity. Participants found learning the AT enjoyable and were able to use it to advantage in everyday activities. Conclusions The intervention had a positive impact on falls-related and physical skills, and psychological well-being. This supports its potential as a useful intervention for older people with a fear of falling, larger scale studies are merited.

Citation

Glover, L., Kinsey, D., Clappison, D. J., Gardiner, E., & Jomeen, J. (2018). “I never thought I could do that…”: Findings from an Alexander Technique pilot group for older people with a fear of falling. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 17, 79-85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2017.11.008

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 17, 2017
Online Publication Date Nov 24, 2017
Publication Date 2018-01
Deposit Date Dec 1, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Print ISSN 1876-3820
Electronic ISSN 1876-3839
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 17
Pages 79-85
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2017.11.008
Keywords Older people; Alexander Technique; Fear of falling; Ageing; Group intervention
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/481778
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382017302354
Additional Information This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: “I never thought I could do that…”: Findings from an Alexander Technique pilot group for older people with a fear of falling; Journal Title: European Journal of Integrative Medicine; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2017.11.008; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

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