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

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of basic body awareness therapy (BBAT) on pain, balance, muscle strength, and functionality in knee OA. Forty 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. All outcomes in the experimental group significantly improved after 6 weeks (<i>p</i> < 0.05). There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of the experimental group in muscle strength (<i>p</i> = 0.018, <i>η</i>²= 0.191), five times sit-to-stand test (<i>p</i> < 0.001, <i>η</i>²= 0.510), and the stair climbing test (<i>p</i> = 0.012, <i>η</i>²=0.212). This study showed that BBAT, in addition to a home-based exercise programme, can improve muscle strength and functionality in patients with knee OA. NCT04165187.