“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

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: Nov 25, 2018
• 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.
• Contract Date: Dec 4, 2017