Body Awareness Therapy in Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of adding body awareness therapy (BAT) to a standard exercise and lifestyle management program on pain, functional capacity, and psychosocial outcomes in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

DESIGN

Single-blind, parallel-group, two-arm randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Patients with PAD were randomized to BAT plus standard care or standard care alone for 8 weeks. Pain (resting, during exercise, night), functional capacity, lower-extremity muscle strength, and psychosocial outcomes (body awareness, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, stress) were assessed at baseline and postintervention.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients completed the study (BAT+ standard care group n = 27, standard care group n = 26). Both groups showed significant within-group improvements across pain, claudication parameters, and psychosocial measures. Compared with controls, the BAT group demonstrated greater improvements in walking performance, muscle strength, body awareness, and self-efficacy (p < .001). Emotional and stress-related outcomes improved similarly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrating BAT into a standard exercise and lifestyle program resulted in improvements in mobility, muscle strength, and self-efficacy, while pain intensity and broader psychosocial symptoms improved similarly in both groups. BAT represents a feasible adjunct that enhances functional rehabilitation without increasing exercise volume.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: BAT techniques can be readily incorporated into clinical practice to support nonpharmacological pain management, improve walking capacity, and promote holistic rehabilitation in individuals with PAD.

REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry (NCT07250776).