The effects of dynamic flamingo balance exercises and balance training with a Tetrax ® posturography device on the balance performance and fall risk of patients with Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Background

Balance disorder is more prevalent in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). This study aimed to examine the effects of flamingo balance exercises and balance training with Tetrax^® Interactive Balance System (TIBS) (Sunlight Medical Ltd, Ramat Gan, Israel) on the balance performance and fall risk of patients with PD.

Methods

This randomized-controlled, single-blind, prospective study was performed at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Atakent Acıbadem Hospital, Turkey, between September 2022 and January 2023. One hundred twenty-four patients were randomly divided into four groups: (1) balance training group with TIBS (n = 31), (2) flamingo training group (n = 32), (3) combined training group (n = 31), and (4) control group (n = 30). All participants trained 3 days a week for 6 weeks, with patient-specific training. Trial groups were evaluated with pre-treatment and post-treatment.

Results

After the treatment, there was a statistically significant difference in all balance and fall scores in patients who received alternate balance training (p < 0.05). The balance and falling values in the combined training group were superior to single-type training groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Dynamic flamingo therapy combined with balance exercises with a static posturography device improves balance disorder in PD patients compared to therapy restricted to individual training.