How the gaitaid works
The GaitAid, a portable home-use device, provides an alternative means to sensing and balancing the walking body. It includes glasses and headphones which display an image super-imposed on the real environment and plays a sound for every step.
The idea is to give the brain additional sensory input through sight and sound which establishes a clear sense of timing for walking, a target for each step, and feedback that the body has moved.
The GaitAid can be used as a walking aid by clipping the control unit onto the pants and wearing only the headphones.
A sound is heard with each step which enhances the sense of taking a step and the rhythm of steps.
The GaitAid also enhances motivation for taking good deliberate steps by playing a sound synchronized with them. Falling back to unbalanced gait will produce sounds which are out of synch effectively calling the patient's attention back to performing a good deliberate step.
The effect is often almost "magical" - normalizing gait which has been dysfunctional for years. The process is extremely easy and enjoyable, providing improvement in walking and confidence level in a fun and engaging way. The experience keeps motivation high by offering a game like activity.
The best news about walking with these sounds is that after using them for a while, walking is improved without wearing the device.
The GaitAid also includes a set of virtual reality goggles which can be used for training purposes.
These goggles present an image of a black and white tiled path floating on the horizon in front of you.
To use the tiles one imagines taking each step on the tiles in the image. The tiles respond by moving towards you. Each step has a clear visual target for where the foot needs to go.
As you can see in the following picture, the images are clearly visible with high contrast. They are very easy to focus on. While using the goggles, you see the tiled floor image and your surroundings at the same time.
The usual therapy routine simply means going for a walk for 5-30 minutes. The practice routine greatly improves the body's sense of position and movement, giving you a clear target in space for balanced steps and further enhancing your sense of timing for these movements.
You can practice on any safe walking path - in the home, in your own neighborhood, or a walking trail. You benefit the most by walking in different environments.
