The Effect of Basic Body Awareness Therapy on Musculoskeletal Disorders and Psychological Symptoms in University Students Participating in the Hybrid Education Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic Process

During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, stay-at-home isolation as a precaution to alleviate the disease has affected the physical and mental well-being of individuals. University students spent time in front of the screen with online education and developed a sedentary lifestyle during the academic term. In this process, musculoskeletal disorders increased more in university students due to the increase in the use of laptop or computer, smartphone, and social media. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused psychological disorders as well as physical health problems. General population studies have shown that all forms of depression, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, and psychological distress are highly increased during this period. In a study conducted in Turkey, it was reported that students' negative well-being, anxiety, and physical inactivity significantly affected perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, and students' mental health was at high risk. It has been stated that providing mental health supportive systems in students and encouraging physical activity regularly can reduce perceived stress levels.

On the other hand, psychological interventions via video conferencing platforms have been proposed to promote mental health due to the limited and delayed face-to-face healthcare as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been stated that the use of telemedicine or e-health applications together with body-mind approaches such as yoga, tai chi, qigong may be beneficial in order to encourage physical activity and protect mental health in this critical period. Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT), which is among the body-mind approaches, is also frequently used in the rehabilitation of patients with psychiatric disorders, pain, and chronic musculoskeletal system problems. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of BBAT on musculoskeletal disorders and psychological symptoms in university students who participated in the hybrid (online + face-to-face) education program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The importance of this study is that it is the first study on physical and psychological symptoms of BBAT in university students.