Copy Taken From 69 th Session of NHMRC Council 1969 Volume 1

4.10 Treatment of asthma by physical methods – Dr. A. James.

A meeting of the Therapeutic Methods Sub-Committee had been held on 17 th October, 1969, to consider the therapeutic methods used by Dr. Alexander James of Wollongong in treating asthma. These methods consisted primarily of a regimen of breathing exercises plus mechanical vibrotherapy applied to the spine, neck and chest.

The Medicine Advisory Committee endorsed the following conclusions reached by the Sub-Committee.

“The Sub-Committee noted reports which indicated that Dr. James was achieving positive results with these methods. However, the variable course of the disease and the method of selection of the cases presented made an objective assessment impossible.

The system of breathing exercises advocated by Dr. James was thought to be both simple and practical and did not vary radically from accepted practice. No scientific basis could be accepted for mechanical vibratory stimulation, although this technique could possibly aid relaxation and so contribute to the effectiveness of the breathing exercises. Other techniques, such as massage, could have a similar effect.

The Sub-Committee considered that close rapport between a good physiotherapist and his patient was of considerable importance in the success of treatment. There seemed no doubt that Dr. James achieved this rapport with his genuine concern for his patients, his powerful personality and his absolute faith in his methods.”

It was recommended that Council approve the following:-

RECOMMENDATION

“Council considers that:-

(1) There was no evidence before the Sub-Committee to suggest that greater success could be expected using Dr. James' methods than could be achieved using other accepted methods, including physical methods, in treating asthma.

(2) There was nothing sufficiently unique in Dr. James' methods to warrant the cost of conducting a full-scale, objective, clinical trial.

(3) The results achieved by Dr. James emphasised not only the value of physiotherapy in the treatment of asthma, but also the importance of gaining the patient's full confidence and co-operation. The Sub-Committee was of the opinion that, in general, too little attention was currently paid to these aspects of asthma therapy.

(4) Dr. James' methods have now been well documented and could be made available to others who may wish to use them. There should no longer be concern that a knowledge of Dr. James' methods will die with him.”