[imark3000]

I believe it ! I think regular daily practice using the devise will bring improvement in gait..

Bad gait is a cause of muscle pain and many other problems

We have to wait until the devise is available commercially at reasonable price

http://www.prweb.com/releases/Parkin...web2318994.htm
Haifa, Israel (PRWEB) April 13, 2009 -- Parkinson's disease patients are discovering first-hand that daily exercise with a new virtual reality device, the GaitAid, has a positive effect on their walking ability, minimizing balance problems and freezing, and improving quality of life. The GaitAid offers a drug free, non RX alternative with no side effects.

[GregD]

I recently had the opportunity to try out GaitAid. With in just a few minutes using the devise my mobility improved tremendously! Why? How? I really don't understand why or how. All I know is it did and remained to work well afterward for a few days. I can only imagine what would happen if I were to use the device for a few days. The biggest setback I see right now is cost. $1400.00 is a bit much for most folks.

GregD

[Fiona]

Mentioned this yesterday: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84565.html

www.medigait.com

apparently one can do a free trial with it and lease it towards ownership over time.

sounds great to me.

and while we're on the subject of gait, I have recently tried these new shoes called Vibram Five Fingers Shoes, which separates each toe and enables you to walk outside as if you were barefoot. What does this have to do with PD? Apparently as we age, we lose more and more sensation in our feet from the continual wearing of shoes and walking on flat surfaces, and this in part causes the lack of balance, the use of canes, walkers and other devices among the elderly. This has got to be even more true of PD people. So the more sensation you can provide to your feet, the more engaged and articulated they can remain or redevelop, the more one can retain one's gait or improve it. When I was in SA last fall, I was around indigenous folks there who were out climbing mountains every day in bare feet at a clip you wouldn't believe (most 30 year olds couldn't keep up with 'em) at over 90 YEARS OF AGE!!!! So I have tried these shoes (and no, I don't work for them), and I think they are going to change my life. Google Vibram Five Fingers.

[imark3000]

I missed your thread yesterday ... the topic was sent to me by my doughter by email this morning..

[ZucchiniFlower]

Some time ago, I read about a study using physical therapy that used visual cues. Patients used lines on the floor, like sidewalk lines. After walking using the visual cues, they later were able to walk better, with the same stride length and speed they used when watching the lines on the floor.

I wonder if one walks on a sidewalk, focusing on the approaching line ahead, whether that would produce the same result as this device, with zero expense. If you count internally, or sing, out loud or internally, one could mimic the auditory cues, too.

It's worth a try.

[reverett123]

I'm still interested in this device. Has anyone had any further exposure or know of anyone else?

And I'd like to know if you still benefit from the Vibram soles Fiona.

[kk13]

Originally Posted by reverett123

I'm still interested in this device. Has anyone had any further exposure or know of anyone else?

And I'd like to know if you still benefit from the Vibram soles Fiona.

Yes, I tried it several months ago for a week or so. No benefit whatsoever. However, during that time, the company was very helpful in trying to optimize its potential by giving me some pointers over the phone. When those did not work, the company kept their word and refunded me exactly the amount they promised. (I don't remember the exact amount refunded, but it was almost all of it.) So it really doesn't cost much to try it.
In their literature, they don't claim that it helps everybody, but with a "almost" 100% return of your money if it doesn't work for you, why not try it?
I hope this helps, reverett123.
Keith (kk13)

[Fowki]

I use a "Silent Coach"... http://www.silentcoach.net/

Developed for sports, but amazing for gait issues as well.

[RLSmi]

I'm curious as to how you use the "Silent Coach" to improve gait. I assume you are talking about gait issues in PD.
Robert

[RLSmi]

I'm curious as to how you use the "Silent Coach" to improve gait. I assume you are talking about gait issues in PD.
Robert

PS, I discovered, by going back to your earlier posts that you used this device to "unfreeeze" by triggering the vibrator yourself or having a compantion do so by observing your gait. Smart!
Would you have known about the "Silent Coach" if you and your girls had not been skaters?
r