The effects of Alexander technique-based postural instructions on gait in healthy young adults

Alexander technique (AT) is a method of behavior modification that seeks to improve coordination by modifying habitual reactions to the stimuli that incite action. Previous studies have shown that a single session of AT-based postural instructions (Lighten Up) can improve axial stiffness, postural control during quiet stance, and step initiation in older adults with Parkinson's disease, as well as balance and postural control in healthy older and younger adults relative to instructions that encourage muscular effort or relaxation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of AT-based postural instructions on steady state gait in young adult participants with no prior experience with Alexander Technique. Forty-four participants (29 female, 15 male; 23.4 ± 4.2 years old) utilized three sets of instructions while walking: Lighten Up, Pull Up, and Relax and also completed a Control condition in which they walked normally without any additional instructions. We found minimal differences between Lighten Up, Pull Up, and the Control conditions, with a significantly smaller Coefficient of Variation in the Lighten Up and Pull Up conditions compared to the Control condition for Stride Velocity. We found the most notable differences in the Relax condition, where participants walked significantly slower, took significantly shorter Stride Lengths, and spent significantly more time in Double Support compared to the other three conditions. Participants also had significantly higher gait variability in the Relax condition compared to the Lighten Up, Pull Up and Control conditions. Instructions to Relax clearly compromised steady state gait.