Lifting the "fOG" with laser generated visual-cueing

Background and Purpose: To ascertain whether freezing of gait (FOG) and stride reduction (SR) may be relieved by the use of an attachable, adjustable laser (the Mobilaser). Methods: Seven parkinsonian patients with FOG and SR were randomized in an open-label, randomized, cross-over clinical study at a tertiary referral center. The Mobilaser was attached to a 4-wheeled walker by Velcro and switched on, producing an adjustable red line, which the subjects stepped on or over while ambulating a standardized course. The length of time each subject took, and the number of freezes they experienced traversing the course, using a 4-wheeled walker with the device turned on and off, were compared. Results: A total of 7 patients were investigated; however, one was excluded from the study due to severe deconditioning, prohibiting completion of the testing. Of the 6 enrolled, all subjects took less time to ambulate the course using the attachable, adjustable laser than without it (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P = 0.03). In addition, the total number of freezes was less in all 6 subjects when using the device than without it. No adverse events occurred during the trial. Discussion and Conclusions: The Mobilaser is potentially an effective and safe device for alleviating parkinsonian FOG and S.R.