Comparing face-to-face and internet-based basic body awareness therapy for fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled
Ö Tahran1,2, B Ersoz Huseyinsinoglu3, G Yolcu4
1Institute of Graduate Studies, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|February 19, 2025
Summary
Internet-based Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) is as effective as face-to-face BBAT for fibromyalgia patients. Both methods significantly improved patient outcomes compared to a control group.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and functional impairment.
- Current treatments for FM include pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) is a psychomotor therapy that aims to improve body perception and movement control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of internet-based BBAT (I-BBAT) with traditional face-to-face BBAT (F2F-BBAT) in patients with fibromyalgia.
- To evaluate the impact of both BBAT delivery methods on various clinical and functional outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 41 FM patients allocated to F2F-BBAT, I-BBAT, or a waiting list control group (CG).
- Both BBAT groups received 8 weeks of therapy (2 sessions/week), with I-BBAT delivered via online video conferencing.
- Outcomes assessed included the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Revised (FIQR), pressure pain threshold (PPT), PostureScreen Mobile (PSM), Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), SF-36, and plasma biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Both F2F-BBAT and I-BBAT groups demonstrated significant improvements across all measured outcomes (p < 0.05).
- No significant differences in treatment effectiveness were observed between the F2F-BBAT and I-BBAT groups (p > 0.05).
- The control group showed no substantial improvements, while both BBAT groups significantly outperformed the CG in FIQR, PPT, PSM, SF-MPQ, and SF-36 parameters (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Internet-based BBAT is a viable and effective alternative to traditional face-to-face delivery for fibromyalgia patients.
- Telerehabilitation offers comparable clinical benefits to in-person therapy, expanding access to BBAT for individuals with FM.
- BBAT, regardless of delivery mode, significantly improves key clinical parameters in fibromyalgia management.
