Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2026)                   J Sport Biomech 2026, 12(2): 192-208 | Back to browse issues page


XML Persian Abstract Print


Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:

Mousavi Askari N S, Kalantariyan M, Rahimi M. Effects of Alexander Technique Exercises on Static and Dynamic Balance in Female Students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. J Sport Biomech 2026; 12 (2) :192-208
URL: http://biomechanics.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-419-en.html
1- Department of Sport Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Sport Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
Full-Text [PDF 1689 kb]   (115 Downloads)     |   Abstract (HTML)  (300 Views)
Full-Text:   (99 Views)
Extended Abstract
1.    Introduction

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting a substantial portion of the population. In addition to attention deficits and impulsivity, adolescents with ADHD often exhibit motor coordination difficulties, particularly in maintaining static and dynamic balance (3, 4). The Alexander Technique, a body-awareness–based educational approach, has recently gained attention among researchers and clinicians. This technique is grounded in three core principles: enhancing postural awareness, inhibiting maladaptive motor patterns, and replacing them with more effective and conscious movement strategies (13–16). Empirical evidence suggests that the Alexander Technique can improve postural control in older adults, individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain, and those with neuromuscular disorders (13–18). However, its effectiveness in improving postural balance among adolescents with ADHD remains largely underexplored. Given that children with ADHD often demonstrate deficits in sensory–motor integration and motor control (11), interventions that target body awareness, self-regulation, and sensory processing may offer innovative and effective rehabilitative options. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of an Alexander Technique training program on static and dynamic balance in adolescent girls with ADHD.
2.    Methods
This semi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group and included female middle school students aged 13 to 16 years in Tehran. Based on the inclusion criteria, 30 participants were selected and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (n = 15 per group). Initial screening was conducted using the Conners Parent Rating Scale (3), and final diagnostic confirmation was obtained through a structured DSM-5–based clinical interview and the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-CPT) (4). Ethical procedures were fully observed, including a clear explanation of study objectives to parents and students, written informed consent from parents, and verbal assent from participants, in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (2013) (5). Static balance was assessed using the Stork Balance Test, a validated measure with reported reliability coefficients of approximately 0.66 (23), while dynamic balance was evaluated using the Y-Balance Test, recognized for its high precision and reliability, with coefficients ranging from 0.85 to 0.93 (23). The experimental group completed an eight-week Alexander Technique training program consisting of two sessions per week, each lasting 30–45 minutes; early sessions emphasized body awareness and proprioceptive development, whereas later sessions focused on applying these principles to functional movement and complex postural tasks (13–18). All statistical analyses, including ANCOVA and paired t-tests, were conducted using SPSS version 26, with the significance level set at 0.05 (6).
3.    Results
Paired t-tests revealed significant improvements in static and dynamic balance within the experimental group from pretest to posttest (p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. ANCOVA results indicated significant between-group differences in the posttest stage after controlling for pretest effects (Table 1). 
4.    Discussion
The findings of this study align with previous research by Chimiklis et al. (2018) (24), Roushan et al. (2024) (25), and Zhang et al. (2023) (26), which demonstrated that mind–body approaches such as the Alexander Technique and yoga can improve motor coordination, reduce excessive muscular tension, and enhance balance in children with ADHD. The improvements observed in both static and dynamic balance in the present study suggest that the Alexander Technique may exert its effects through enhanced neuromuscular coordination. Contemporary theoretical models propose that the technique operates through three primary mechanisms: increasing postural awareness, modulating maladaptive muscle tension, and improving the regulation of conscious and efficient movement patterns (14, 27). Considering its low cost, ease of implementation, and suitability for school environments, the Alexander Technique represents a promising non-pharmacological and complementary rehabilitation method for children with ADHD. The technique likely facilitates improvements in sensory awareness and motor pattern recognition by enhancing the alignment of the head, neck, and trunk. These cognitive-perceptual changes support the reorganization of tonic muscle activity—particularly within the core and pelvic stabilizing muscles—which play essential roles in maintaining balance. One of the distinguishing features of the Alexander Technique is its ability to regulate muscle tone and reduce unnecessary rigidity, thereby contributing to more efficient postural control and improved balance performance (27). Overall, the findings of this study confirm that Alexander Technique exercises can produce meaningful improvements in static and dynamic balance among adolescent girls with ADHD by optimizing motor patterns and reducing maladaptive muscular tension. These outcomes are both statistically significant and clinically relevant, underscoring the value of incorporating non-invasive, movement-based interventions into rehabilitation programs for children with ADHD. Given its simplicity, affordability, and compatibility with educational settings, the Alexander Technique may serve as an effective adjunctive approach alongside traditional cognitive and pharmacological treatments.

Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines

All ethical principles were fully observed in this study. Participants and their parents were informed about the purpose and procedures of the research, and assurances were provided regarding the confidentiality of all personal information. Participation was entirely voluntary, and individuals were free to withdraw from the study at any point without any consequences. Additionally, participants were informed that they could access the study results upon request.
Funding
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. 
Authors' contributions
All authors equally contributed to preparing article.
Conflicts of interest
The author declares no conflict of interest. 
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2025/08/4 | Accepted: 2025/12/1 | Published: 2025/12/2

References
1. Akbari-Zardkhaneh S, Shahvarani SM, Mansurkiaie N, Zanganeh A, Jallalat-Danesh M, Tahmasebi S, et al. Psychometric properties of electronic mental health assessment device for high school students: Teacher and parent form. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology. 2018;24(3):324-39. [DOI:10.32598/ijpcp.24.3.324]
2. Shooshtari MH, Shariati B, Kamalzadeh L, Naserbakht M, Tayefi B, Taban M. The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Iran: An updated systematic review. Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 2021;35:8. [DOI:10.47176/mjiri.35.8] [PMID]
3. Moradi J, Jalali S, Bucci MP. Effects of balance training on postural control of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Iranian Journal of Pediatrics. 2020;30(4):e95542. [DOI:10.5812/ijp.95542]
4. Shams A, Eslami Nosratabadi M, Sangari M, Mirmoezzi M. Effect of cognitive rehabilitation combined with physical exercise on sustained, selective, and alternating attention in school-aged girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology. 2021;27(3):276-87. [DOI:10.32598/ijpcp.27.3.3342.1]
5. Nejati V. Balance-based Attentive Rehabilitation of Attention Networks (BARAN) improves executive functions and ameliorates behavioral symptoms in children with ADHD. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2021;60:102759. [DOI:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102759] [PMID]
6. Pan P-Y, Bölte S. The association between ADHD and physical health: A co-twin control study. Scientific Reports. 2020;10(1):22388. [DOI:10.1038/s41598-020-78627-1] [PMID]
7. Kalantariyan M, Rahmani N, Samadi H. The effects of TRX-based movement pattern correction exercises on the landing biomechanics and balance of female volleyball players susceptible to knee injuries. Journal of Sport Biomechanics. 2023;9(2):112-27. [DOI:10.61186/JSportBiomech.9.2.112]
8. Tabatabai Asl SM, Jalilian P. The effect of six weeks of TRX training on selected physical fitness components in high school students in Mashhad. Journal of Sport Biomechanics. 2025;11(1):34-45. [DOI:10.61186/JSportBiomech.11.1.34]
9. Amini B, Hosseini SA, Akbarfahimi N. Balance performance disorders and sway of the center of gravity in children with ADHD. Journal of Modern Rehabilitation. 2018;12(1):3-12. [DOI:10.32598/jmr.12.1.3]
10. Kim SM, Hyun GJ, Jung T-W, Son YD, Cho I-H, Kee BS, et al. Balance deficit and brain connectivity in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatry Investigation. 2017;14(4):452-9. [DOI:10.4306/pi.2017.14.4.452] [PMID]
11. Münger M, Candrian G, Kasper J, Abdel-Rehim H, Eich D, Müller A, et al. Behavioral and neurophysiological markers of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults: A large-scale clinical study. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience. 2021;52(5):311-20. [DOI:10.1177/1550059421993340] [PMID]
12. Thomas S, Sciberras E, Lycett K, Papadopoulos N, Rinehart N. Physical functioning, emotional, and behavioral problems in children with ADHD and comorbid ASD: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Attention Disorders. 2018;22(10):1002-7. [DOI:10.1177/1087054715587096] [PMID]
13. Qin D, Qin Y, Wang Y, Xue L, Peng Y. Effects of the Alexander Technique on pain and adverse events in chronic non-specific neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2024;19(11):e0313526. [DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0313526] [PMID]
14. Cacciatore TW, Johnson PM, Cohen RG. Potential mechanisms of the Alexander Technique: Toward a comprehensive neurophysiological model. Kinesiology Review. 2020;9(3):199-213. [DOI:10.1123/kr.2020-0026]
15. Shadi N, Khalaghi K, Seyedahmadi M. Comparing the effects of Pilates, corrective exercises, and Alexander's Technique on upper cross syndrome among adolescent girl students (ages 13-16): A six-week study. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2024;16(1):143. [DOI:10.1186/s13102-024-00933-2] [PMID]
16. Babaei H, Alizadeh MH, Minoonezhad H, Movahed A, Maher R. Effectiveness of the Alexander Technique on quality of life in young men with upper crossed syndrome. Physical Treatments - Specific Physical Therapy Journal. 2024;14(2):125-36. [DOI:10.32598/ptj.14.2.574.1]
17. Cohen R, Ravichandra R, Trusty W, Moote T, Gross M. Alexander Technique classes are a feasible, cost-effective, and promising intervention for balance in older women. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2018;99(10):e58-9. [DOI:10.1016/j.apmr.2018.07.203]
18. Davies J. Alexander Technique classes improve pain and performance factors in tertiary music students. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2020;24(1):1-7. [DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.04.006] [PMID]
19. Johnson MB, Cohen RG. Altered coordination strategies during upright stance and gait in teachers of the Alexander Technique. Frontiers in Aging. 2023;4:1090087. [DOI:10.3389/fragi.2023.1090087] [PMID]
20. Cacciatore TW, Mian OS, Peters A, Day BL. Neuromechanical interference of posture on movement: Evidence from Alexander Technique teachers rising from a chair. Journal of Neurophysiology. 2014;112(3):719-29. [DOI:10.1152/jn.00617.2013] [PMID]
21. Cacciatore TW, Gurfinkel VS, Horak FB, Day BL. Prolonged weight-shift and altered spinal coordination during sit-to-stand in practitioners of the Alexander Technique. Gait & Posture. 2011;34(4):496-501. [DOI:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2011.06.026] [PMID]
22. Cohen SC, Harvey DJ, Shields RH, Shields GS, Rashedi RN, Tancredi DJ, et al. Effects of yoga on attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in preschool-aged children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. 2018;39(3):200-9. [DOI:10.1097/DBP.0000000000000552] [PMID]
23. Luo X, Huang X, Lin S. Yoga and music intervention reduces inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional defiant disorder in children with comorbid ADHD and ODD. Frontiers in Psychology. 2023;14:1150018. [DOI:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1150018] [PMID]
24. Amiri S, Ahsani M, Malek A, Sadeghi-Bazargani H, Ghorashizadeh A, Abdi S, et al. Psychometric properties of the Persian version of Conners Early Childhood ADHD Questionnaire - Parents' Form in Iranian children aged 3-6 years. Medical Journal of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. 2023;45(6):505-15. [DOI:10.34172/mj.2024.003]
25. Zhang W, Jiang Y, Mo S, Lin H, Ke S. Values of the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test in diagnosing children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in clinic and school in China. Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science. 2015;24:935-8.
26. Moreno-García I, Delgado-Pardo G, Roldán-Blasco C. Attention and response control in ADHD: Evaluation through Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test. The Spanish Journal of Psychology. 2015;18:e1. [DOI:10.1017/sjp.2015.2] [PMID]
27. Kalantariyan M, Zarghami Aliabad S, Khalandi J. Investigating the effects of sport-metric training on functional factors related to lower limb injuries and skill variables in young futsal players. Journal of Sport Biomechanics. 2025;10(4):346-60. [DOI:10.61186/JSportBiomech.10.4.346]
28. Chimiklis AL, Dahl V, Spears AP, Goss K, Fogarty K, Chacko A. Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation interventions for youth with ADHD: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Child and Family Studies. 2018;27(10):3155-68. [DOI:10.1007/s10826-018-1148-7]
29. Roshan S, Souri R, Jalilvand M. Effectiveness of a kata exercise course on static and dynamic balance in hyperactive children. Journal of Sport Biomechanics. 2024;9(4):272-83. [DOI:10.61186/JSportBiomech.9.4.272]
30. Rubia K. Cognitive neuroscience of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its clinical translation. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 2018;12:100. [DOI:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00100] [PMID]
31. Zhang Z, Chang X, Zhang W, Yang S, Zhao G. The effect of meditation-based mind-body interventions on symptoms and executive function in people with ADHD: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Attention Disorders. 2023;27(6):583-97. [DOI:10.1177/10870547231154897] [PMID]

Rights and permissions
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

© 2025 CC BY-NC 4.0 | Journal of Sport Biomechanics

Designed & Developed by : Yektaweb