Experiences from group basic body awareness therapy by patients suffering from fibromyalgia: A qualitative study

Physiother Theory Pract. 2020 Aug;36(8):933-945. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1517286. Epub 2018 Sep 24.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to obtain a deeper understanding of how patients with fibromyalgia experienced movement awareness through a basic body awareness therapy group treatment program. A total of 19 participants with fibromyalgia diagnosis were interviewed individually and in groups. Data collection was done from three sources: (1) interviews from the Basic Body Awareness Rating Scale (BARS) part 2 at baseline, at end of treatment, as well as at 12 and 24 weeks follow up; (2) focus group discussions that took place at the end of each session, and at the end of treatment; and (3) an in-depth focus group. Giorgi's method was followed for data construction and analysis. The researchers conducted 57 individual interviews, 10 focus groups, and one in-depth focus group. The findings revealed the following categories: "creating a new relation to self"; "change the pattern of body awareness"; "being in a group"; and "experiencing physical capacity", showing influences among them. Body awareness seems to have an impact in the therapeutic process in patients suffering from fibromyalgia.

Keywords: Basic Body Awareness Therapy; Body awareness; fibromyalgia; movement awareness; therapeutic group factors.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Awareness
  • Female
  • Fibromyalgia / physiopathology*
  • Fibromyalgia / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Qualitative Research