Improving Mobility and Preventing Falls Using Visual Cueing
Host Institution: Assistive Technology Clinic
Many older adults are at risk of falls and fall-related injuries as their ability to walk declines over time. A team of engineering and rehabilitation professionals at the Assistive Technology Clinic in Toronto is using their $50,000 award from CABHI to develop a laser light module that can project a line of light in the user’s path to help them navigate safely and independently.
Many older adults, especially those with Parkinson’s disease, develop instability, a shuffling gait or freezing of gait. In published, evidence-based research, researchers found that laser light visual cues could overcome freezing of gait and reduce falls for some individuals.
The project team will refine and test an existing laser unit prototype that can be mounted securely on a wide variety of assistive devices, such as canes and walkers. They will test their innovation with clients in a clinical setting with engineering and rehabilitation staff and ultimately seek to create a market-ready device for widespread dissemination.