Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of Alexander Technique lessons on balance
and mobility in older adults with visual impairments. DESIGN: Randomized assessor
blinded controlled trial with intervention and usual care control groups.
SETTING: Participants' homes. SUBJECTS: A total of 120 community-dwellers aged
50+ with visual impairments. INTERVENTION: Twelve weeks of Alexander lessons and
usual care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Short Physical Performance Battery items were
primary outcomes at 3 months and secondary outcomes at 12 months. Additional
secondary outcomes were postural sway, maximal balance range and falls over 12
months. RESULTS: Between-group differences in primary outcomes were not
significant. The intervention group reduced postural sway on a firm surface with
eyes open at 3 months after adjusting for baseline values (-29.59 mm, 95%CI
-49.52 to -9.67, P < 0.01). Planned sub-group analyses indicated a greater
intervention effect among past multiple-fallers (2+) than non-multiple fallers
for gait speed (P = 0.02) and step length (P < 0.01) at 3 months and chair stand
at 12 months (P < 0.01). There was a non-significant reduction in falls rate (IRR
= 0.64, 95%CI 0.34 to 1.15, P = 0.13) and injurious falls (IRR = 0.61, 95% CI
0.28 to 1.30, P = 0.20) in the intervention group compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION: The intervention did not have a significant impact on the primary
outcomes but benefits for the intervention group in postural sway, trends towards
fewer falls and injurious falls and improved mobility among past multiple-fallers
suggest further investigation of the Alexander Technique is warranted.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS