BalanceWear: A Weighted Vest for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

While there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are various treatment options and assistive devices available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

One such option is BalanceWear, a custom weighted vest designed specifically for individuals with balance problems like patients with Parkinson’s disease. The vest works by providing sensory input to the body, which can help improve balance and stability, reduce falls, and increase mobility.

In this article, we will take a closer look at how BalanceWear works as a treatment option for Parkinson’s disease.

How BalanceWear Works as a Weighted Vest for Parkinson’s Disease and Relief on its Symptoms

The BalanceWear vest is designed to distribute weight evenly across the body, providing sensory input that can help improve balance and stability. The vest is custom-fitted to each individual, ensuring that the weight is distributed in a way that is most effective for their specific needs.

The weight of the vest is strategically placed based on the individual’s symptoms and needs. For example, if an individual has tremors in their upper body, the weight may be placed near the shoulders to help stabilize their movements. If an individual has difficulty with balance and stability, the weight may be placed lower on the body to provide more grounding and stability.

BalanceWear is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the design of the vest is tailored to each individual’s unique needs. The vest is typically worn for a few hours each day and can be worn over regular clothing.

It is important to see a BalanceWear-trained physical therapist to assess and fit patients with the BalanceWear vest.

Benefits of Using BalanceWear

BalanceWear has been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Some of these benefits include:

• • Improved balance and stability: The weighted vest provides sensory input that can help improve balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls and increasing mobility.
  • Reduced tremors: The weight of the vest can help stabilize tremors, making movements smoother and more controlled.
  • Improved posture: The weight of the vest can also help improve posture, reducing strain on the neck and back.
  • Increased confidence: By improving balance and stability, individuals using BalanceWear may feel more confident in their ability to move around and perform daily tasks.

How BalanceWear Works

BalanceWear is a weighted vest designed to help individuals with balance problems like patients with Parkinson’s disease improve their balance and stability. The vest’s weights are strategically placed on the body to provide sensory feedback that enhances the wearer’s ability to maintain a stable posture.

Strategic Placement of Weights

The weights of the BalanceWear vest are placed on specific points of the body, such as the shoulders, upper back, and hips. This strategic placement ensures that the wearer’s center of gravity is shifted, creating a counterbalancing effect and making it easier for patients to maintain balance and stability while standing, walking, or performing other activities.

Sensorimotor Input and Neuromuscular Response

BalanceWear works by providing sensory input to the wearer’s nervous system, which triggers a neuromuscular response. The weights on the vest create a sensory feedback loop that enhances the wearer’s proprioception (awareness of their body’s position in space) and kinesthetic sense (awareness of their body’s movement). This feedback loop helps the wearer to adjust their posture and movements in real-time, leading to improved balance and stability.

Effectiveness of BalanceWear in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

Studies have shown that wearing BalanceWear can significantly improve balance and stability in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. In one study, participants who wore the vest showed a 37% improvement in their balance compared to those who did not wear it. Another study found that BalanceWear improved gait speed and stride length in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

BalanceWear is a non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment option for individuals with Parkinson’s disease who experience balance and stability issues. By providing sensory feedback and triggering a neuromuscular response, BalanceWear helps individuals with Parkinson’s disease to maintain a stable posture and perform activities of daily living with greater ease and confidence.

BalanceWear Videos in People with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease: Judith’s Success Story with BalanceWear® – Prevents Her from Falling Backwards

Same-day improvement: Parkinson’s Disease

Check out our research posters and published articles here:
https://www.motiontherapeutics.com/medical-professionals/research/
https://www.motiontherapeutics.com/medical-professionals/research-posters/

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What sizes are available for the BalanceWear vest?

The BalanceWear vest is available in various sizes to accommodate different body types. When purchasing the vest, you need to be measured to get accurate measurements of your chest, waist, and hip to ensure a proper fit.

 

How do I know if the BalanceWear vest is right for me?

The BalanceWear vest is designed specifically for individuals with balance problems like patients with Parkinson’s disease who experience balance and stability issues. If you are experiencing such symptoms, it is recommended that you consult with a BalanceWear-certified physical therapist to determine if the vest is a suitable treatment option for you.

 

How long does it take to see results from using the vest?

The effectiveness of BalanceWear may vary depending on the individual and their specific symptoms. Some individuals may notice improvements in balance and stability immediately, while others may require several weeks of consistent use before seeing results.

 

Can the vest be worn under clothing?

Yes, the BalanceWear vest can be worn under clothing. The vest is designed to be lightweight and discreet, making it easy to wear throughout the day without drawing attention to yourself.

 

What if I feel less balance while wearing the BalanceWear Vest?

If you feel that you are less balanced with BalanceWear immediately discontinue use and contact a BalanceWear Certified clinician to reconfigure the weight placement.

In some cases, individuals will need readjustments of their weight. The body may learn from wearing the weights and may not require as much weight to balance you. If your condition has worsened over time, you may need more weight.

Prior to getting your vest adjusted take the vest off for 4 days. Make sure to be careful when up without the vest.

 

Do I need a prescription for BalanceWear?

Yes, a BalanceWear prescription is needed. Please have your doctor sign it and take the prescription to the BalanceWear-trained clinician. Most clinicians require an additional order for physical or occupational therapy as well.

 

Where to buy BalanceWear Vest?

Patients need to be assessed first by a BalanceWear certified clinician prior to buying the BalanceWear Vest.
Depending on the type of vest, there are ones that can be purchased directly from Motion Therapeutics. It can also be bought through an orthotist in your local area if your vest would be covered through insurance. The physical therapist that assessed you with BalanceWear will be guiding you on how to get one.
https://www.motiontherapeutics.com/pricing-and-availability/

 

What is the cost of the vest?

The cost of the BalanceWear vest varies depending on the specific model and size. It is recommended that you contact a licensed dealer or distributor for pricing information or email info@motiontherapeutics.com.

 

Does Insurance Cover the BalanceWear Vest?

The BalanceWear Model OW200 or OW250 LSO (Lumbar Sacral Orthotic) has a Medicare insurance reimbursement code of L0631 and may be covered by insurance if you meet the orthopedic requirements for an LSO, have a prescription from your doctor with the appropriate orthopedic diagnosis, and have an insurance policy that covers an LSO. Please check with your insurance company to see how much they will pay or reimburse. BalanceWear Model BW300, BW350 and BW450 currently do not have insurance coverage. Please contact your insurance carrier to determine if they will pay for an EO700 miscellaneous code or some other option with a Letter of Medical Necessity. The more carriers are queried about BalanceWear, it may become a covered item especially if you are at less risk of falling with the use of BalanceWear.

 

What are other diagnoses that BalanceWear can help with?

BalanceWear is often used as a therapy tool for people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and cerebral palsy. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies and exercises to improve balance, reduce falls, and improve overall mobility.

 

Is BalanceWear found on any TV news or well-known organizations?

Yes.

It was featured on CNN by Dr. Sanjay Gupta  – https://www.motiontherapeutics.com/dr-sanjay-gupta-report/

ABC News – https://www.motiontherapeutics.com/balancewear-featured-on-local-abc-tv-affiliate-2/

National MS Society’s Momentum Magazine – A vest with a few extra ounces could help people with multiple sclerosis improve their balance and reduce falls. Click here to read more.

Indiana Univesity Health  – Weighted vest, therapy keep MS patient steady on his feet. Click here to read more.

Conclusion

BalanceWear can be a highly effective treatment option for individuals with Parkinson’s disease who struggle with balance and stability issues. The vest’s strategically placed weights provide sensorimotor input, triggering a neuromuscular response that can improve balance and stability. Additionally, the vest is adjustable to fit a variety of body sizes and can be worn discreetly under clothing.

If you or a loved one is interested in trying BalanceWear as a treatment option, it is recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it is right for you. With consistent use, the vest has the potential to significantly improve daily functioning and quality of life for those with Parkinson’s disease.

Overall, BalanceWear offers a non-invasive and convenient treatment option for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. If you are interested in trying this innovative technology, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by filling up the contact form and taking the first step towards better balance and stability.