IOBBAT - Impact of Basic Body Awareness Therapy on Body Awareness

Body awareness (BA) is an essential factor for health and well-being. In 2021, the IOBA (Impact on Body Awareness) study was conducted at the Institute of Physical Medicine \& Rehabilitation at Kepler University Hospital (Clinical Trials NCT05004272). This study investigated the effects of massage and gymnastics on BA in healthy individuals. The protocol provides a solid foundation for further research projects on BA. The aim of the present study is to examine the immediate effects of a Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) session compared to a lecture (control group) on BA and well-being, and to explore correlations with BA.

In a randomized controlled study with 60 physiotherapy students in two groups (BBAT and control group) the use of the ABC questionnaire and further German questionnaires (Short questionnaire on self-perception of the body, self-rating mood scale - revised) concerning body awareness and well-being should analyse the following hypothesis: There is a difference in the change of BA between intervention (BBAT) and control group, Before interventions demographic data and further questionnaires concerning health conditions of the participants (e.g. Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire, Short Form Health Survey, Brief Symptom Inventory) are administered. Correlations between BA and the results of these tests will be investigated too. All these analyses can provide insights into the effects of BBAT on BA. The identification of patterns in BA among students can be used for future comparisons with patient cohorts.