Evaluation of 3D Movement Method Effectiveness for Proprioceptive Enhancement Using Low-Tech Tools in a Midlife Woman: A Single-Case Study

Zarina Manaenkova^1, and Ekaterina Santanna²

¹Independent Researcher, California, USA

²School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China

Cite this paper:
Zarina Manaenkova and Ekaterina Santanna. Evaluation of 3D Movement Method Effectiveness for Proprioceptive Enhancement Using Low-Tech Tools in a Midlife Woman: A Single-Case Study. American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2025; 13(9):52-58. doi: 10.12691/ajmcr-13-9-1

Abstract

Background: Proprioceptive decline during the menopausal transition elevates fall risk and undermines functional mobility. Practical, low-tech approaches are needed to help midlife women train and monitor proprioception outside clinical settings. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the 3D Movement Method intervention on proprioceptive function in a midlife woman and to examine the feasibility of paired, low-tech self-evaluation tools. Methods: A single-case design was employed with a 48-year-old woman familiar with the method. She completed a 7-day individualized intervention featuring four foundational exercises. Proprioceptive function was assessed before and after the intervention using two expert-scored functional test batteries. Supportive measures included somatic screening, daily body mapping, participant self-ratings, and independent expert ratings of video recordings. Results: The intervention was associated with improvements in postural control, coordination, and alignment, as measured by expert ratings and qualitative analysis. The participant’s self-ratings increased but demonstrated a persistent optimistic bias relative to expert scores, particularly on proprioceptively demanding tasks. Somatic screening and body mapping indicated enhanced segmental awareness and greater whole-body coherence, with limited affective content. Conclusion: The 3D Movement Method shows promise for supporting short-term proprioceptive gains through home-based practice. However, the observed disconnect between self-evaluation and expert assessment highlights a need to integrate structured external feedback with low-tech self-monitoring tools. Future research should refine assessment rubrics, include broader interoceptive and affective prompts, and test efficacy in a larger, more diverse sample.

Keywords:
menopausal transition proprioception balance somatic awareness home-based training single-case study self-evaluation women’s health

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