My recent post ('I never thought I could do that' 12/12/17) about a new study investigating the benefit of AT to older people with a fear of falling reminded me of a 2007 research project that covered similar ground.  Almost ten years ago, I attended a very inspiring presentation by two American colleagues, Sarah Barker and Glenna Batson.  Their pilot study at the University of South Carolina explored the effects of a two-week trial of the Alexander Technique on elderly people living in a residential community. 

Sarah and Glenna showed us video footage of participants being tested before and after their series of group AT lessons. The improvement in the elderly people's balance and co-ordination was plain to see.  Thanks to a little googling, I have discovered that the video clips can now be viewed on youtube - and by following this link.

Recently I have been working with a mentally sprightly but physically frail octogenarian who is very unsteady on her feet.  The most striking improvement is that, whereas when she first came for AT lessons she rose from a chair with difficulty, relying heavily on her arms, now - with a little directed thinking - she can get up without using her hands.
Today I learned of a new UK pilot study which investigated the changes following an AT group intervention for older people with a fear of falling.  It concludes that "the intervention had a positive impact on falls-related and physical skills" - and also on psychological wellbeing. 
The research paper, co-authored by AT teachers Lesley Glover and Jane Clappison, along with a team from the University of Hull, is published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine (January 2018).  It can be accessed free via this link until January 2018.