PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of basic body awareness therapy (BBAT) on pain, balance, muscle strength, and functionality in knee OA. METHODS: Forty patients (mean age 55.20 +/- 6.40 years) with knee OA were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Both groups participated in a home-based exercise programme. The home-based exercise programme was performed daily for 6 weeks. In addition to the home-based programme, patients in the experimental group participated in BBAT 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The visual analogue scale, fall risk assessment, single-leg stability test, knee extension muscle strength, five times sit-to-stand test, joint range of motion assessment, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, 6-minute walk test, and stair climb test were performed at baseline and after 6 weeks. RESULTS: All outcomes in the experimental group significantly improved after 6 weeks (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of the experimental group in muscle strength (p = 0.018, eta2 = 0.191), five times sit-to-stand test (p < 0.001, eta2 = 0.510), and the stair climbing test (p = 0.012, eta2 = 0.212). CONCLUSION: This study showed that BBAT, in addition to a home-based exercise programme, can improve muscle strength and functionality in patients with knee OA.

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