I use visual cues- mirrors placed at eye level infront of the Litegait/Tmill user for all users. It is my belief that visual spatial-gross motor performance is a sensory-motor function and cannot be separated. By using visual feedback, the motor performance is is refined. Just accessing the plannning that the visual system affords increases the grading output of the motor system. During treadmill use by making constant small changes in the belt speed, elevation- the visual processing system can be incorporated into the function of gait as it would in typical walking. For non-neuro clients- In the literature, there are many examples of visual-motor training in athletic training at all ages. Five years ago, I compared sessions with and without mirror use within each student then comparing student types. The visual cue use overall produced sessions that the client was overall more engaged, focused and happy thoughout the 15-20 minute session. The gait parameter most notably affected was overall extension of the trunk and legs and centering of the body through increased head control. I use the mirror with bright lights with my students who are cortically blind. With the mirror, they smile and laugh. They both specifically laugh when they know "run demand" is coming. Without the mirror, they are less engaged and appear to anticipate less.. For 2 of the students, we have been told that they can only see spotty shadows. Try incorpating vision to your sessions!
I heard the LiteGait has new treadmill with visual cues to improve gait. I was wondering if this is effective for non-neurologic patients with gait deviations(orthopedic; ie THR, TKR, osteoarthritis). If any one knows of any study that demonstrated the efficacy of visual cues to improve gait in non-neurologic patient population, please tell me. Please post the link to the study too. Thank you.
