Body Awareness Therapy in Geriatric Individuals: Role of Biopsychosocial Dynamics

Summary

Population aging is one of the most significant global health trends of the 21st century. As life expectancy increases, so do the physical and psychological challenges faced by older adults. Aging is associated with a progressive decline in muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), reduced mobility, impaired balance, altered gait mechanics, and an increased risk of falls. In addition to these physical changes, older individuals frequently experience psychosocial issues such as anxiety, depression, social isolation, and diminished quality of life.

Conventional physiotherapy programs for elderly individuals typically focus on balance, strength, and mobility training. While these are undeniably effective, they may not fully address the mind-body connection, proprioceptive awareness, and emotional regulation, which are equally important for maintaining overall well-being and functional independence. Recently, body-awareness-based exercise methods have gained attention for their potential to bridge this gap by fostering conscious movement, breath awareness, and improved self-regulation.

Body Awareness Therapy (BAT), also referred to in the literature as "body awareness-based physiotherapy," is a therapeutic approach that combines gentle physical movements, breathing exercises, postural control, and relaxation techniques. It has been used effectively in various populations, including individuals with chronic pain, mental health disorders, neurological conditions, and musculoskeletal impairments. However, limited evidence exists on its potential applications in geriatric populations, particularly concerning its influence on both physical functioning and psychological well-being.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of a structured Body Awareness-Based Exercise Program (BAEP) on older adults, focusing on its potential to improve physical function (balance, gait, mobility, strength) and psychological outcomes (anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction).

Conditions

• Geriatric

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

body awareness

Body Awareness Therapy (BAT) is a somatic-based, movement-centered therapeutic approach that aims to improve individuals' physical, emotional, and psychological well-being by enhancing conscious awareness of bodily sensations, posture, breathing, movement, and internal states. Originating from Scandinavian physiotherapy models - particularly the work of Berit Heir Bunkan, Roxendal, and Dropsy - BAT integrates principles from: Proprioceptive neuromuscular retraining Mindfulness-based movement Sensorimotor integration Psychomotor physiotherapy BAT is not simply a set of physical exercises, but a neuropsychophysical method designed to promote: Postural control and alignment Somatic grounding and bodily coherence Emotional regulation through movement Enhanced interoception (awareness of internal bodily states)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Recep Tayyip Erdogan University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

65 Years

Max Age

85 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-07-01

Primary Completion

2025-09-10

Completion

2025-09-14

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations