Effects of basic body awareness therapy via hybrid telerehabilitation on musculoskeletal and psychological symptoms in university students: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

Background Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT), a mind-body modality, is known for its positive effects on physical and psychological health. Objective To assess the role of BBAT via hybrid telerehabilitation on musculoskeletal and psychological symptoms in university students. Methods Involving 60 university student volunteers, a single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted. The students were categorized into two groups with equal participants: BBAT and Control Group. An Information Workshop was held for both groups. Additionally, the BBAT Group practiced BBAT sessions once a week for 12 weeks, face-to-face during the first 6 weeks and online for the following 6 weeks. Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) for musculoskeletal symptoms and Brief Symptom Inventory 53-items (BSI-53) for psychological symptoms were applied at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results The BBAT Group demonstrated a significant improvement in Total CMDQ, CMDQ left upper arm and lower back body parts, Total BSI-53, BSI-53 hostility subscale, and Global Severity Index (p = 0.018, r = 0.31; p = 0.011, r = 0.33; p = 0.019, r = 0.30; p = 0.033, r = 0.28; p = 0.036, η2 = 0.074; p = 0.033, r = 0.28, respectively) compared to the Control Group. Conclusion BBAT via hybrid telerehabilitation has been found to positively affect musculoskeletal and psychological symptoms, and studies comparing online, face-to-face, and hybrid BBAT in clinical practice are recommended. Clinical Trial Number: The Effect of Basic Body Awareness Therapy on Musculoskeletal Disorders and Psychological Symptoms, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05302453?cond=NCT05302453&rank=1 , NCT05302453