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Difficulty initiating movement and freezing of gait is very common for those with Parkinson’s Disease. These issues often cause people to reduce participation in recreational activities. A variety of external cues can help to relieve these symptoms. One such cue is a laser line projection. The laser line provides a visual target for increasing step length. Improved step length leads to increased safety with ambulation and performance of daily tasks.
Typically devices such as the Laser & Sound Cue for the U-Step 2 cost upwards of $250 and can only be attached to the U-Step 2 walker. While the cost of a U-Step walker may be covered by insurance, it often is not. These barriers make the use of a laser for targeting step length almost unattainable by most people with Parkinson’s Disease.
For about $40, a homemade version can be made that easily attaches to any cane or walker.
Here’s what you’ll need
Black and Decker Laser Level
Ubeesize Tripod
Cable Matters Zip Ties
Alternatively, you may consider getting the GripTight ONE GorillaPod (Amazon) for a more compact option.
Assembly
Place the laser level in the phone holder on the tripod and securely fasten it using rubber bands or zip ties for a more permanent application. Then attach it to the walker or cane in an area and facing a direction that will not impede stepping. For a standard walker, the area directly below the handle on one side is an excellent option.
Once attached, adjust the laser so it is oriented in the correct direction and the best position to encourage increasing step length and initiating of steps. Typically about half way between the front and back of the walker is a good place to start.
View the full video tutorial HERE:
I am so excited to try this for my husband who has parkinsons and freezes a lot and also had a stroke so left leg lags behind. Thank you!!!!
You are so welcome. I hope it helps!
Awesome!. Was looking to try to do this myself but you already have the recipe! Why reinvent the wheel. Thank you for posting. This will be very help to my patients and families, saving them $$$
My husband has Parkinson’s. He doesn’t have freezing, but does scissor (cross one leg over another), especially when turning. But mounting the laser on the crossbar of the walker, with the laser creating a line in the middle of the walker he has a guide to use to help him walk without scissoring. It is very helpful when turning. His PT was amazed how well it worked. By the way, I found a rubber band to hold better than the zip ties. Thanks for your post.
That’s great to hear that you’ve found another use for the laser. I’ll have to try running it vertically sometime. I’m glad you found something that helped!
Can I add this to a cane as my dad started to use one
Yes, absolutely.