This study explains the importance of neuromuscular training, also focusing on basic exercises of proprioception and a subject with Parkinson’s disease, to help the subject to maintain balance and strenght.

INTRODUCTION

Postural control requires a complex integration of motor performance and sensory perceptions.

Soft tissue injuries can adversely affect postural control, as well as mechanical stability and somatosensory function. This reduction in postural stability can therefore lead to a higher risk of secondary damage, resulting in a pathological cycle.

  • Thomas Bartels, Kay Brehme, Martin Pyschik, Stephan Schulze, Karl-Stefan Delank, Georg Fieseler, Kevin G. Laudner, Souhail Hermassi, René Schwesig, Pre- and postoperative postural regulation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation 2018;14(1):143-151
  • Fulton J, Wright K, Kelly M, Zebrosky B, Zanis M, Drvol C, Butler R. Injury risk is altered by previous injury: a systematic review of the literature and presentation of causative neuromuscular factors. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2014;9:583-595.
  • Haas CT, Buhlmann A, Turbanski S, Schmidtbleicher D. Proprioceptive and sensorimotor performance in Parkinson’s disease. Res Sports Med 2006;14:273-287.

The correct load distribution between left and right foot is the basic exercise of proprioception. therefore, we decided to use the ‘balance test‘ function of the DLine Desmotec platform as a balancing feedback during the squat, to create a neuro-muscular exercise in patients with balance deficits.

PATIENT CARD

Gender Male
Age 77
LIFESTYLE Cross Country Skiing

PROBLEM: PTA left-rigth >10 y, low back pain, Parkinson’s disease

OBJECTIVE TO BE ACHIEVED:  Maintenance of stength and balance

REHABILITATION PLAN

INSTRUMENTS:

  • Reinforcement with isotonic machines
  • Exercises on unstable plates
  • Exercises for core stability
  • To combine in a single exercise reinforcement and improvement of balance, we added the squat execution on the DLINE DESMOTEC platform
  • The «balance test» program of the Desmotec software provides the patient with real-time visual feedback of the right-left foot balance

PROTOCOL

Device DLine
Test Balance Test during Squat
Tool
Disc
Duration 1 minute

The patient is asked to position himself on the platform, with his feet equidistant from the center and instructed to take a minute of squat.

RESULTS

  • The final report shows the therapist the quality of the task execution and provides the patient with feedback on the actual balance maintained
  • The challenge to be offered to the patient is to maintain the two lines as similar as possible, and to have a numerical balance value close to 50/50

Benefits of  using of Desmotec :

  • The patient is facilitated in learning from visual feedback in real time
  • The patient feels involved in the challenge, therefore appears motivated, despite the challenging task from the muscular point of view
  • The therapist can monitor the correct execution of the gesture in real time