NCT06646367

Effect of Alexander Technique on Neck Pain and Quality of Life in Lactating Women

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 72 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 20 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study will be conducted to investigate the effect of the Alexander technique on neck pain and quality of life in lactating women.

Detailed description

During breastfeeding, incorrect positioning and placement of hands to support the baby's weight can irritate the musculature of the hands. Repeating the same position frequently can lead to radiating pain in the elbows and hands. Additionally, adopting different postures to compensate for the pain while sitting, standing, or lying down can cause mechanical changes in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, altering the body's correct posture. The Alexander Technique is a non-exercise approach focused on improving the modulation of postural muscle activity. It offers an individualized approach to developing skills that help people recognize, understand, and avoid poor habits that affect postural tone and neuromuscular coordination. Its lessons are associated with clinically relevant long-term reductions in neck pain and disability. Some previous studies examined effect of Alexander technique on neck pain and on quality of life in different population, but in our knowledge this is the first study will be conducted to investigate effect of Alexander technique on neck pain and quality of life in lactating women, so this study will be conducted to provide an insight about the beneficial effect of the Alexander Technique on neck pain and quality of life in lactating women which will be of valuable benefits in the women's health field.

Conditions

• Neck Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Conventional therapy	All participants in the two groups will receive conventional therapy in the form of TENS and moist heat for 5 weeks.TENS will be applied 5 times a week for 5 weeks at a frequency of 80Hz with 10- to 30-mA intensity for 25 minutes. Four surface electrodes (5x5 cm each) were situated over the painful region in the neck (two electrodes will be placed in either side of the spine high on neck, just underneath the skull and the other two electrodes will be placed about 5cm underneath them) with intensity in the tactile sensation threshold. The hot packs will be applied for 30 minutes on the cervical area, 5 times per week for 5 weeks.
OTHER	Alexander technique	Women in the experimental group will attend 10 Alexander Technique classes (60 minutes each, twice a week for 5 weeks). The Alexander Technique focuses on body awareness, reducing muscle tension, and improving coordination through three principles: enhanced awareness, purposeful inhibition, and mental imagery. Participants will learn to release habitual muscle tension and explore alternative movement patterns, covering biomechanics and ergonomics of the neck, spine, and limbs. The sessions involve hands-on guidance, verbal instruction, and group activities. Daily practice in a semi-supine position is encouraged to improve posture, coordination, and overall well-being.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-10-20
• Primary completion: 2025-01-15
• Completion: 2025-02-01
• First posted: 2024-10-17
• Last updated: 2024-10-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt