Body Awareness in Geriatric Individuals
Body Awareness in Geriatric Individuals
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).
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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Outcome Measures 5.1 Baseline and Post-Intervention Assessments
All assessments were conducted at week 0 and repeated at week 8.
Inclusion Criteria:
Capable of walking independently or with minimal assistance.
Exclusion Criteria:
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.