Effects of Feel-Own-Move program on the experience of the body, sleep quality and physical activity of female victims of violence. A mixed methods study.

Abstract

Objective: Women victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) tend to experience their bodies as heavy, slow or anxious. As a result of trauma, they also feel disconnected from their body. To promote healthy bodily experiences is both a therapeutic and a social need in the field of IPV. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of Feel-Own-Move (FOM) on the experience of the body, physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and sleep quality of female victims of IPV, through a mixed methods approach. Methods: Nine women living in shelter homes (mean age 45.9 years; range= 32- 64 years) received FOM, an 8-week psychomotor intervention with 2 individual sessions and 1 group session per week. At week 1 (T1, baseline), week 5 (T2, pre-intervention) and week 9 (T3, post-intervention), participants were asked to use an accelerometer for seven days and nights to assess PA, SB and sleep quality. At T3, brief semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant to explore their experience of the body and perceived internal changes. Results: There was a decrease in SB (∆%= -16%) and in sleep fragmentation index (∆%= -27%) between T2 and T3, as well as an increase in light PA (∆%= +19%) although not statistically significant. Women shared experiences of increased bodily awareness regarding breathing sensations, the body-mind connection, tension-relaxation differences, and feelings of strength. Also, improvements in self-regulation, self-confidence, inner strength, motivation and vitality were reported, along with relaxation skills. Conclusions: Feel-Own-Move showed promising results in improving bodily experiences, sleep quality and active behavior of women victims of IPV.