Body Awareness Therapy in Geriatric Individuals: Role of Biopsychosocial Dynamics

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week body awareness-based exercise intervention on:

Physical function: including balance, lower extremity strength, and functional mobility.

Psychological well-being: including anxiety, depression, and perceived life satisfaction.

The secondary objective was to assess the feasibility and adherence to the intervention in an elderly population.

• Methodology 3.1 Study Design

This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial involving two parallel groups:

Experimental Group: received standard physiotherapy plus Body Awareness-Based Exercise Program (BAEP)

Control Group: received only standard physiotherapy care.

The total duration of the intervention was 8 weeks.

3.2 Participants

Participants were recruited from a university-affiliated geriatrics outpatient clinic. A total of 32 elderly individuals, aged 60-80 years, who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to either group using a computerized randomization tool.

Inclusion criteria

Aged 60-80 years

Able to ambulate independently or with minimal assistance

MMSE score ≥ 24 (cognitively competent)

Medically cleared for physical activity

No history of falls in the last 6 months

Willingness to participate and sign informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Severe visual, vestibular, or neurological impairments

Uncontrolled cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions

Cognitive impairment (MMSE < 24)

Acute illness or musculoskeletal injury

Ongoing participation in another structured exercise program

Missing more than 2 consecutive sessions

3.3 Sample Size

A priori power analysis (using G*Power 3.1) indicated that a minimum sample of 16 participants per group (total N = 32) would be required to detect a clinically significant change in the 6-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD), with 80% power and an alpha of 0.05.

• Interventions 4.1 Standard Physiotherapy Program

Both groups participated in a baseline physiotherapy program consisting of:

Respiratory Exercises:

Diaphragmatic breathing

Thoracic expansion (segmental breathing)

Aerobic Training:

Treadmill or overground walking, progressive intensity

Strengthening Exercises:

Resistance band-based lower limb exercises

Balance and Gait Training

Energy conservation techniques and ADL regulation

This was implemented 6 days per week for 8 weeks. Three sessions were supervised, and the remaining were home-based, with telephone monitoring for adherence.

4.2 Body Awareness-Based Exercise Program (BAEP)

Participants in the experimental group additionally received a 1-hour BAEP session once per week, conducted by a physiotherapist with 4 years of experience in the method. The protocol was based on principles by Roxendal and Dropsy, incorporating:

Movement-Based Awareness Training (MBAT)

Breath-focused floor and standing exercises

Pelvic mobility and spinal rotation

Postural alignment and midline recognition

Relaxation and proprioceptive feedback enhancement

All exercises were initiated in supine position to minimize energy demand and maximize sensory feedback. The program was progressively adapted to each individual's comfort and capacity.

Participants were encouraged to keep a body awareness diary to reflect on sensations, posture, and psychological states post-session.

• Outcome Measures 5.1 Baseline and Post-Intervention Assessments

All assessments were conducted at week 0 and repeated at week 8.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 65 years and older, living independently in the community.

Capable of walking independently or with minimal assistance.

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with severe cognitive impairment (MMSE < 24) or dementia.

Having unstable cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological conditions in the past 6 months.

Inability or unwillingness to participate in scheduled sessions or comply with the study protocol.