High Tech Visual Feedback Device Dramatically Improves Walking for Parkinson's Disease Patients
Palm Springs, CA resident Daniel Neal had a severe motor impairment due to Parkinson’s Disease. But with the help of a new virtual reality feedback device made by MediGait, he now walks comfortably and confidently without a cane and without falling.
Washington, DC (PRWEB) November 10, 2009 -- Palm Springs, CA resident Daniel Neal had a severe motor impairment due to Parkinson’s Disease. But with the help of a new virtual reality feedback device made by MediGait, he now walks comfortably and confidently without a cane and without falling.
The GaitAid Virtual Walker by MediGait is a high tech, virtual reality pair of goggles with headphones.
This high tech device works by creating an ‘augmented reality’ – computer generated visual cues and audio feedback that dramatically improves walking speed, balance and confidence.
The usual therapy routine simply means going for a walk in a safe, normal environment.
The portable GaitAid unit hooks onto the patient's clothes. A computer processor inside the device measures walking movement. The processor provides visual and audio feedback cues to the display and to the earphones during practice walks while in training. The feedback mechanism provides rewarding stimuli for good movement making the training enjoyable.
Patients often report high motivation and enjoyment during training. People practice on any safe walking path - in the home, in their own neighborhood, or a walking trail. People see greater benefits and improvement as they walk in different environments.
People only need to use the device in training sessions. In as little as two weeks, 20 minutes of training each day resulted in significant lasting improvement in over 70 percent of the patients tested.
Clinical studies have shown that patients with Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and other nervous disorders that produce motor or movement impairment, are able to walk without freezing, have better balance, higher walking speeds and longer strides.
For more information visit www.medigait.com
Video demonstrations of patients in training available here: http://www.medigait.com/videos.html
Clinical studies available here: http://www.medigait.com/studies.html
Neurology
Neural Processing Letters
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
Frontiers in Neuroscience
High resolution photographs and additional information available upon request.
Contact: Audrey Holmes 888-777-9906
support(at)medigait.com
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