Abstract
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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 308-314 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Complementary therapies in clinical practice |
Volume | 31 |
Early online date | 15 Mar 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2018 |
Bibliographical note
© 2018 The AuthorsKeywords
- Acupuncture
- Alexander Technique
- Chronic neck pain
- Participant experience
- Qualitative data
- Self Efficacy
- Neck Pain/therapy
- Acupuncture Therapy/methods
- Humans
- Male
- Chronic Pain/therapy
- Female
- Complementary Therapies/methods
- Qualitative Research
- Longitudinal Studies
- Self Care