Alexander Technique (AT) Group Classes: Feasible Intervention for Care Partners of People Living With Parkinson's

Abstract

Objective: To test an adapted Alexander technique (AT) group course to improve quality of life for care partners of people living with Parkinson’s disease (PLwPD). Design: We delivered an adapted AT program in seven cities in North Carolina (USA); groups met 90 minutes weekly for 10 weeks. Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. No comparison group was included. Setting: The study was held in various general community settings including senior centers, churches and assisted living facilities. Participants (or Animals, Specimens, Cadavers): 65 participants (55 women and 10 men), aged 68 (+/-7 years) participated. Most were white, non-Hispanic college graduates caring for spouse/partners. Interventions: Coursework included functional anatomy and self-management strategies, taught through verbal instructions, hands-on guidance, partnering activities, and interactive games. A unique feature of our program is that all activities are prefaced with strategic thoughts and verbal prompts to interrupt automatic reactions. Main Outcome Measure(s): Anonymous course evaluations, executive function (Stroop and Digit Span), balance (Mini BESTest), and self-report measures (mindfulness, fatigue, pain, stress, self-efficacy, and mood). Results: Course attendance was 83%. Retention was high (83%). On a 0-10 scale, the mean rating was 9.5 for “enjoyed the interaction with other participants,” 9.2 for “encountered new ideas,” 8.4 for “learned skills to take care of myself emotionally,” and 8.3 for “likely to use the new skills in my daily life.” Executive function improved (p