If you’ve never heard of BlazePods before, you might assume they’re high-tech fire starters, turbo-charged espresso shots or maybe even a group of thrill-seeking dolphins with a flair for fireworks. But in reality, BlazePods are a light-based training system designed to boost agility, coordination and strength, making workouts or rehab sessions feel more like a high-energy game than hard work.
At Shriners Children’s Hawaiʻi, these glowing little pods are helping patients recover after surgery by turning rehabilitation into an interactive, engaging experience.
“We are fortunate to have access to cutting-edge technology to enhance rehabilitation and keep our patients motivated,” said Michele Chee, PT, DPT, director of rehabilitation services at Shriners Children’s Hawaiʻi. “Our virtual reality system supports exercises for both upper and lower extremities, and we also use the BlazePod system to improve reaction time, speed, balance and coordination. Patients can enhance their upper and lower extremity range of motion, strength and balance while fully immersed in an engaging, interactive environment.”
How does it work?
Picture this: While wearing a headset, patients see an avatar that moves as if it were their own body. They tap brightly lit targets with their hands or feet, often while holding challenging positions like a plank, balancing on one leg or engaging in another core-strengthening challenge. The pods respond instantly, lighting up in unpredictable patterns to keep participants moving.
Sensors attached to the patient’s arms and/or legs track their movements. Therapists can tailor the game settings so the play experience matches each patient’s needs, adjusting the difficulty level to optimize progress and achieve better functional outcomes.
Patients get their game on
BlazePods and virtual reality technology have transformed therapy at Shriners Children’s Hawaiʻi, making it as fun as it is effective. Kids aren’t just doing exercises – they’re playing and pushing their limits, all while building strength, improving balance, and boosting muscle memory.
The best part? When rehab feels like play, patients blaze down the road to recovery – one pod at a time.
