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External cues
External stimuli are used to improve walking. These stimuli are often rhythmic.
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Turning by using a laser pointer
Use a light (such as a laser pointer) to make turning easier. Try to step towards the dot on the ground.
Walking over a patterned floor
This man has difficulty walking, but much less difficulty climbing stairs. A family member made a 3D staircase painting for him on the living room floor, which helps him cross his living room.
Walking to the rhythm of a metronome
Listen to the beat of a metronome and try to take a step on each beat. It is important that you match the metronome's pace (the number of “beats per minute” or “bpm”) to your ideal walking pace (the number of steps you take per minute). Instead of a metronome, you can also use music that has the same pace.
Walking to the beat of music
There are several options:
- Use music with a distinct rhythm and try to take steps to the beat of the music. In this case, it is important that you look for music with a similar pace (the number of “beats per minute” or “bpm”) as your walking pace (the number of steps you take per minute). Instead of music, you can also use a metronome at the same pace.
- Use your favorite music without focusing specifically on the rhythm, like the man in the video example.
Try out different genres and songs, the effect of the music on walking can be very different depending on the music you are using. In general, people often notice a better effect when they walk to music that they enjoy listening to.
Stepping over someone's foot
If you experience freezing of gait ('being glued to the floor') you can sometimes alleviate this by stepping over someone's foot.
Stepping over lines on the floor
You can tape lines on the floor in places where you often have difficulty walking or turning (for example, when turning in the kitchen or on the path to the toilet). You can also wearing laser shoes (these project a laser line in front of your feet), or use a laser beam attached to your walker. If you walk outdoors, you can also use the lines between the paving stones. You can step on the lines, or step over them: try what works best for you.
Bouncing a ball
Bounce a ball on the floor, or toss the ball from hand to hand while walking. You can try different sizes of balls: for example a tennis ball or a basketball.
