The Effects of Somatic-Based Chair Exercises on Balance, Pain, and Quality of Life in the Elderly

Somatic education refers to a process of sensory-motor learning that enables individuals to develop greater conscious control over their physiological functions. In this study, Thomas Hanna's definition of somatics and Hanna Somatic Education will be used. Thomas Hanna (1976) introduced the term "somatics" to describe the discipline of movement reeducation (somatic education/somatic movement), which aims to promote inner awareness of an individual's body. The practice of somatic movement involves pandiculation. Pandiculation is a process that starts with deliberate muscle activation and transitions into a slow and controlled eccentric release. This is done with ongoing sensory focus, and the movements remain gentle, unforced, and require little effort.

The study design involves comparing the effects of structured somatic-based chair exercises with the effects of a conventional exercise method consisting of basic range of motion exercises combined with static stretching.