Lifting the “FOG” With Laser Generated Visual-Cueing

Abstract

To ascertain whether freezing of gait (FOG) and stride reduction (SR) may be relieved by the use of an attachable, adjustable laser (the Mobilaser). 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. 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. The Mobilaser is potentially an effective and safe device for alleviating parkinsonian FOG and SR.