WATSU and Body Awareness

Last updated: April 3, 2025
Sponsor: Johannes Kepler University of Linz
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Weight Loss

Treatment

WATSU application

Lecture

Clinical Study ID

NCT05769543
IWOBA_1
  • Ages 18-65
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

Body awareness (BA) is an essential factor for health and well-being. In 2021, the IOBA (Impact on Body Awareness) study was conducted at the Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Kepler University Hospital. Thereby, the impact of massage and of gymnastics on BA in healthy individuals was surveyed. The protocol provides a solid basis for further research projects on BA. In the present study, the direct effect of a WATSU® (Shiatsu in Water) application on BA as well as on the state of health of healthy persons will be determined and BA will be further investigated.

In a randomized controlled study with 60 healthy adults in two groups (WATSU and control group), the use of the Awareness Body Chart (ABC) questionnaire and further German questionnaires (Short questionnaire on self-perception of the body, self-rating mood scale - revised) concerning body awareness and well-being should analyse the following hypothesis: There is a difference in the change of BA between the WATSU group and the control group. Before interventions demographic data and further questionnaires concerning health conditions of the participants (Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire, Short Form Health Survey, Brief Symptom Inventory, Like/Dislike Body Chart and additional questions) are administered. Correlations between BA and the results of these tests will be investigated too. All these analyses can provide innovative information about BA and be indicative in the use of physiotherapeutic measures.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Healthy volunteers

  • Signing of informed consent by participants and head of the study

  • Understanding of German language in order to be able to follow a lecture andcomplete questionnaires

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Current sick leave

  • Pregnancy

  • Acute physical or psychological complaints on the day of study participation

  • Chronic illnesses / disabilities which contraindicate participation or make itdifficult to use the therapy pool

  • Current illnesses or injuries

Study Design

Total Participants: 60
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: WATSU application
Phase:
Study Start date:
March 20, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
June 15, 2023

Connect with a study center

  • Kepler University Hospital

    Linz, 4020
    Austria

    Site Not Available

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.