Basic Body Awareness Therapy for patients with stroke: Experiences among participating patients and physiotherapists

After a stroke many patients have muscle weakness, spasticity and compromised sensation leading to decreased postural stability. Basic Body Awareness Therapy includes slow movements that challenge postural control.

The aim was to describe experiences of 8 weeks of Basic Body Awareness Therapy from the perspective of both patients with stroke and physiotherapists.

This study had a qualitative design. Twenty-one patients and four physiotherapists were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using manifest and latent content analysis.

One overall theme emerged "Simple yet challenging" which was based on six categories: "Facing one's limitations", "Individualized movements", "A feeling of harmony", "Improved balance", "Integrated knowledge" and "Frustration and doubt". The patients described improvement in balance and stability, as well as increased wellbeing.

The patients and physiotherapists related that Basic Body Awareness Therapy challenges balance but also provides an opportunity to reflect on the body.