Clinical Research Directory

Body awareness refers to a holistic approach to human movement, considering the physical, physiological, psychological, and existential aspects of human existence. The educational philosophy based on this holistic perspective includes fundamental functions such as postural stability, natural breathing, and awareness. Body awareness aims to normalize muscle tension experienced and visible in posture, balance, breathing, and movement behavior. The program begins with "journey within the body" exercises in a supine position on a mat, followed by breath focus, muscle contraction and relaxation, combined breathing exercises with sound, and full-body stretching exercises. In a seated position, the program focuses on finding the correct body alignment, stimulating the core through breathing and coordination exercises, and performing trunk movements while maintaining body alignment. In a standing position, the goal is to find the correct body alignment and functional posture.

Patients in this group will undergo a classic physiotherapy program including posture and stabilization exercises. Stabilization exercises aim to strengthen trunk muscles, increase spinal stability, support the vertebral column, and improve postural control by increasing kinesthetic awareness. The program will begin with warm-up exercises, followed by supine straight leg raises, supine hip flexion, supine shoulder flexion, supine bridge, hip abduction, cat-camel exercises, stabilization exercises with pelvic tilt while sitting on a Pilates ball, posture training in front of a mirror, upper extremity exercises while sitting on a ball, and upper extremity exercises while standing. During the exercises, movements will be made easier in conjunction with breathing. The exercises will progress from simple exercises and patterns to more complex movement patterns as control improves.

In the control group, which received classical exercise therapy, the program content consisted primarily of stretching exercises targeting the erector spinae and hamstring muscle groups, as well as strengthening exercises for the abdominal muscles, thoracic and lumbar extensors, pelvis, and shoulder girdle muscles. In addition, training to increase postural awareness and deep breathing exercises were included in the program.