BlazePod® balance training protocol in Parkinson’s Disease: case-report

Abstract

Introduction: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by deficits in postural control, increasing the risk of falls. Emerging technologies, such as BlazePod^®, offer potential to complement conventional approaches by integrating dynamic visual cues with dual-task training in balance rehabilitation. Aim of the study: To describe an intervention protocol that integrated balance training with BlazePod^® technology in the physiotherapy treatment of a patient with PD diagnosis. Methodology: A case report of a 79-year-old male patient with an 11-year diagnosis of PD, classified as stage 3 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale. The protocol lasted for four weeks, with three weekly sessions (two with BlazePod^® and one of conventional physiotherapy). Assessment and reassessment included balance (Mini-BESTest) and functional mobility (simple Time Up Go test (TUG)) and with dual tasks). Results: There was improvement in the Mini-BESTest total score from 19/28 to 21/28, exceeding the cut-off value for fall risk. The main improvements occurred in backward postural reactive responses and in the sensory orientation subscore. No changes were observed in TUG without dual task and with motor dual task, only a slight negative variation in TUG with cognitive dual task. Conclusion: The results suggest that the intervention protocol integrating balance training with BlazePod® makes it possible to reduce the patient's risk of falling. The methodological limitations inherent to the case study design make it impossible to establish cause-effect relationships. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the effectiveness of this intervention and the long-term retention of gains.