The impact of Basic Body Awareness Therapy on balance confidence and health-related quality of life in hunger strike victims with Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome: pilot study

Introduction: The aim of this study is to examine the short and long-term results of Basic Body Awareness Therapy (Basic BAT) on balance confidence and health-related quality of life in the people with Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) who survived hunger strike. Methods: A single case experimental design was used in the study. Basic BAT was applied to 4 people as a group therapy once a week for 12 weeks. Balance confidence was assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale and health status was assessed with Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36 Short Form). Assessments were done before treatment, after treatment, at 3-month and 6-month follow-up. Results: 4 patients achieved clinically significant improvements on balance. All patients achieved significant change in physical functioning and role physical subcategories of SF-36. Visual analysis showed that the improvement in the patients continued after the treatment during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Basic BAT is effective as a physiotherapy method in the treatment of cerebellar problems, balance disorders and gait incoordination seen in WKS. The Basic BAT method may provide a new perspective for the rehabilitation of survivors of hunger strikes with WKS.