Effects of Body Awareness Therapy on Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes in Adults With Asthma

February 6, 2026 updated by: Seda Karaca, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University

Effect of Body Awareness Therapy on Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes in Adults With Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to investigate the effects of Body Awareness Therapy on physical and psychosocial outcomes in adults with asthma. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can affect breathing, physical activity, and emotional well-being. In addition to medical treatment, non-pharmacological approaches that support body awareness and breathing may help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively.

Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to either a Body Awareness Therapy group or a control group receiving standard care. The Body Awareness Therapy program includes guided exercises focusing on posture, breathing, movement, and awareness of bodily sensations. The program will be delivered over several weeks by a trained physiotherapist.

The main outcomes of the study include physical function, respiratory symptoms, quality of life, psychological well-being, and body awareness levels. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence on whether Body Awareness Therapy can be an effective supportive approach in asthma management and rehabilitation.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Detailed Description

This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Body Awareness Therapy as a complementary intervention for adults with asthma. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that not only affects respiratory function but is also associated with reduced physical capacity, increased symptom perception, psychological distress, and decreased quality of life. While pharmacological treatment is essential for asthma management, many individuals continue to experience persistent symptoms and psychosocial challenges despite optimal medical care.

Body Awareness Therapy is a mind-body approach that emphasizes conscious attention to bodily sensations, breathing patterns, posture, and movement. The therapy aims to improve self-regulation, enhance interoceptive awareness, and promote more efficient and relaxed breathing. Previous research in other chronic conditions suggests that body-based interventions may positively influence physical function, symptom perception, emotional well-being, and coping strategies. However, evidence regarding the use of Body Awareness Therapy in individuals with asthma remains limited.

In this randomized controlled trial, eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either a Body Awareness Therapy group or a control group receiving standard care. The intervention will consist of supervised sessions conducted by a trained physiotherapist over a predefined period. The sessions will include guided exercises focusing on breathing awareness, postural alignment, gentle movement, and attention to bodily sensations. Participants will also be encouraged to apply these principles in daily life.

The primary outcomes of the study include physical function and asthma-related symptoms. Secondary outcomes include psychological well-being, quality of life, and levels of body awareness. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period.

The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the growing field of non-pharmacological and mind-body interventions in respiratory rehabilitation. If effective, Body Awareness Therapy may represent a low-cost, safe, and accessible supportive approach to improve both physical and psychosocial health in individuals with asthma.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

67

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adults aged between 18 and 65 years.
  • Clinically diagnosed asthma confirmed by a physician.
  • Stable asthma condition (no acute exacerbation in the last 4 weeks).
  • Receiving regular medical treatment for asthma.
  • Able to understand and follow instructions for the intervention.
  • Willing to participate and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases other than asthma (e.g., COPD, bronchiectasis).
  • Acute asthma exacerbation within the last 4 weeks.
  • Severe cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal conditions that may limit participation in physical activity.
  • Current participation in another structured exercise or rehabilitation program.
  • History of major psychiatric disorders that may interfere with participation (e.g., psychotic disorders).
  • Pregnancy.
  • Cognitive impairment affecting the ability to follow instructions.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Body Awareness Therapy Group
Participants will receive a structured Body Awareness Therapy program delivered by a trained physiotherapist.
A structured Body Awareness Therapy program delivered by a trained physiotherapist, including guided exercises focusing on breathing awareness, posture, gentle movement, and attention to bodily sensations.
Participants will continue their usual medical care for asthma without additional body awareness intervention.
Active Comparator: Standard Care Control Group
Participants will receive standard medical care for asthma without additional body awareness intervention.
Participants will continue their usual medical care for asthma without additional body awareness intervention.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Six-Minute Walk Test Distance
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

Physical function will be assessed using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Total walking distance covered in six minutes will be recorded. (Units of Measure:

Meters)

Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Asthma Control Test Total Score
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Asthma symptom severity will be assessed using the Turkish Asthma Control Test (T-ACT). The total questionnaire score will be analyzed.
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

February 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

April 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

May 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

January 31, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 6, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

February 13, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

February 13, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 6, 2026

Last Verified

February 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

IPD Plan Description

Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared publicly due to ethical and privacy considerations, as the data include sensitive personal and health-related information. Data will be used only for the purposes of the current study and stored in accordance with institutional and data protection regulations.

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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