Self-efficacy and embodiment associated with Alexander Technique lessons or with acupuncture sessions: a longitudinal qualitative sub-study within the ATLAS trial

TY - JOUR

T1 - Self-efficacy and embodiment associated with Alexander Technique lessons or with acupuncture sessions

T2 - a longitudinal qualitative sub-study within the ATLAS trial

AU - Wenham, Aniela Michelle

AU - Atkin, Karl Michael

AU - Woodman, Julia

AU - Ballard, Kathleen

AU - MacPherson, Hugh

N1 - © 2018 The Authors

PY - 2018/5

Y1 - 2018/5

N2 - Background and purpose: A large randomised controlled trial found that the provision of either Alexander Technique lessons or acupuncture, for those with chronic neck pain, resulted in significantly increased self-efficacy when compared with usual care alone. In turn, enhanced self-efficacy was associated with significant reductions in neck pain at 6 and 12 months. In this analysis we explore the perspectives of participants within the trial, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of how these interventions had an impact. Methods: We used a longitudinal qualitative approach; in-depth interviews, informed by a topic guide, were conducted with a sample of the trial population. Participants were interviewed twice: at around six months (n = 30) and twelve months (n = 26) after trial entry. Analysis was guided by the principles of grounded theory, and key themes were developed. Results: Five key themes emerged: pre-trial experiences of biomedical treatment against which subsequent interventions were compared; emergence of tangible benefits from the interventions; factors that contributed to the observed benefits, notably growing self-care and self-efficacy; a developing sense of embodiment as an integral part of the transformative process; and contribution of these factors to sustaining benefits over the longer term. Conclusions: In-depth interviews revealed a rich array of experiences. They gave insight into the positive impact of the interventions on development of self-care, self-efficacy and embodiment. These findings complement the quantitative trial data, providing a more nuanced understanding of the factors that underpin the previously quantified improvement in self-efficacy and its association with longer-term reductions in pain.

AB - Background and purpose: A large randomised controlled trial found that the provision of either Alexander Technique lessons or acupuncture, for those with chronic neck pain, resulted in significantly increased self-efficacy when compared with usual care alone. In turn, enhanced self-efficacy was associated with significant reductions in neck pain at 6 and 12 months. In this analysis we explore the perspectives of participants within the trial, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of how these interventions had an impact. Methods: We used a longitudinal qualitative approach; in-depth interviews, informed by a topic guide, were conducted with a sample of the trial population. Participants were interviewed twice: at around six months (n = 30) and twelve months (n = 26) after trial entry. Analysis was guided by the principles of grounded theory, and key themes were developed. Results: Five key themes emerged: pre-trial experiences of biomedical treatment against which subsequent interventions were compared; emergence of tangible benefits from the interventions; factors that contributed to the observed benefits, notably growing self-care and self-efficacy; a developing sense of embodiment as an integral part of the transformative process; and contribution of these factors to sustaining benefits over the longer term. Conclusions: In-depth interviews revealed a rich array of experiences. They gave insight into the positive impact of the interventions on development of self-care, self-efficacy and embodiment. These findings complement the quantitative trial data, providing a more nuanced understanding of the factors that underpin the previously quantified improvement in self-efficacy and its association with longer-term reductions in pain.

KW - Acupuncture

KW - Alexander Technique

KW - Chronic neck pain

KW - Participant experience

KW - Qualitative data

KW - Self Efficacy

KW - Neck Pain/therapy

KW - Acupuncture Therapy/methods

KW - Humans

KW - Male

KW - Chronic Pain/therapy

KW - Female

KW - Complementary Therapies/methods

KW - Qualitative Research

KW - Longitudinal Studies

KW - Self Care

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85044785951&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.03.009

DO - 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.03.009

M3 - Article

C2 - 29705473

VL - 31

SP - 308

EP - 314

JO - Complementary therapies in clinical practice

JF - Complementary therapies in clinical practice

SN - 1744-3881

ER -