The Effects of Body Awareness Therapy on Physical Function, Balance, and Gait Performance in Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: Body awareness therapy (BAT) is a therapeutic approach aimed at enhancing sensoriy-motor integration, postural control, and body awareness through mindful movements and proprioceptive feedback. This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of BAT in improving physical function, balance, and gait performance in patients with stroke and its potential application in rehabilitation programs. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between their inception and the most recent update. Studies assessing the effect of BAT on balance, gait performance, and physical function in patients with stroke were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used to assess the study quality. Quantitative analysis employed a random-effects model with the standardized mean difference (SMD) as the effect measure. Results: Of the 69 identified studies, five, involving 280 patients with stroke, were included. The BAT interventions targeted physical function, balance, and gait performance. The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in physical function (SMD = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20-2.11) and balance (SMD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.68-1.36) compared to control conditions. However, the effect on gait performance was not statistically significant (SMD = -1.24, 95% CI: -2.54-0.07). High heterogeneity was observed in gait performance. Conclusions: BAT shows significant potential for improving physical function and balance in patients with stroke, supporting its use in rehabilitation programs. Further high-quality studies using standardized protocols are required to clarify their effects on gait performance.