Practicing with the Audio-Visual Walker:
In some patients, walking is improved instantaneously with the Audio-Visual Walker and freezing episodes become a distant memory. After some training with the Audio-Visual Walker, one reclaims a better gait pattern without needing the device.
The Audio-Visual Walker is a small, cell-phone sized unit connnected to see through Virtual Reality goggles. The goggles display a high-contrast tiled floor which is embedded within the real world.
First one mentally rehearses walking over the tiles while sitting down. Successful visualization of a task has shown to improve the performance of the real task. In addition, this practice time helps store and associate the displayed image with healthy walking so one can use the memory when walking without the device.
Next, for real walking practice, one simply takes a step "on top of" the tile ahead. The virtual floor moves under your feet like a real floor would. In addition, the unit includes earphones that play a sound with every step you take. This auditory feedback increases awareness to every step.
The result - an improved healthier gait pattern! Your gait will improve every time you use the Audio-Visual Walker. The improvements will stay with you after you put the device down!
The Audio-Visual Walker device
Purchase the Audio-Visual Walker
