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.