ABSTRACT. The Alexander Technique (AT), traditionally employed by performing artists to enhance mind-body awareness, has not been extensively studied as a complementary or alternative therapy for improving stress regulation and mobility. AT promotes the conscious inhibition of maladaptive habits and facilitates the relearning of efficient, low-effort movement patterns. By reducing somatic tension and promoting bodily awareness, AT may contribute to improved physical and psychological well-being. Prior studies have associated AT with enhanced muscular respiratory function (Austin, 1992) and reduced depression in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (Stallibrass, 1997). This study investigated both the short- and long-term effects of AT on physical function and stress modulation in performing arts students. Outcome measures included salivary cortisol levels, functional reach, Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), and self-reported perceived stress, evaluated at baseline and post-intervention. In addition, non-invasive assessments of blood pressure and heart rate variability (HRV) were conducted before five performances spaced at two-week intervals to examine the impact of AT on anticipatory performance anxiety. Results indicated improvements in salivary cortisol, functional reach, and POMA scores in the AT group. Furthermore, pre-performance HRV progressively decreased across testing intervals in participants receiving AT instruction, suggesting reduced sympathetic arousal. Collectively, these findings support the potential of the Alexander Technique as a non-invasive intervention for individuals experiencing chronic stress or musculoskeletal dysfunction, warranting further investigation in clinical populations.

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Keywords: Alexander Technique, Stress, Alternative Therapy, Performing Arts