Effects of basic body awareness therapy on pain, balance, muscle strength and functionality in knee osteoarthritis: a randomised preliminary trial

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effects of basic body awareness therapy (BBAT) on pain, balance, muscle strength, and functionality in knee OA.MethodsForty patients (mean age: 55.20 +/- 6.40 years) with knee OA were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Both groups participated in a home-based exercise programme. The home-based exercise programme was performed daily for 6 weeks. In addition to the home-based programme, patients in the experimental group participated in BBAT 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The visual analogue scale, fall risk assessment, single-leg stability test, knee extension muscle strength, five times sit-to-stand test, joint range of motion assessment, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, 6-minute walk test, and stair climb test were performed at baseline and after 6 weeks.ResultsAll outcomes in the experimental group significantly improved after 6 weeks (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of the experimental group in muscle strength (p = 0.018, eta(2)= 0.191), five times sit-to-stand test (p < 0.001, eta(2)= 0.510), and the stair climbing test (p = 0.012, eta(2)=0.212).ConclusionThis study showed that BBAT, in addition to a home-based exercise programme, can improve muscle strength and functionality in patients with knee OA. Implications for RehabiliationBasic Body Awareness Therapy in addition to a home exercise program can be effective on muscle strength, and functionality in patients with knee osteoarthritis.A decrease in knee extension muscle strength is one of the prominent features of knee osteoarthritis and better muscle strength is associated with less functional limitations.Adding Basic Body Awareness Therapy to the physiotherapy program can improve functions such as climbing up and down stairs and sitting and standing up in knee osteoarthritis.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates that Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) in addition to a home-based exercise program can significantly improve muscle strength and functionality in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The findings suggest that incorporating BBAT into physical therapy programs can enhance functions such as stair climbing and sit-to-stand movements. The results of this study have important implications for the rehabilitation of knee OA patients.