The NexStride is a gait aid that attaches to a cane, walker, rollator or walking poles and provides two external cues to help a user start and sustain walking. A green laser line projects onto the floor ahead of the feet to give a visual target to step over, and an adjustable metronome provides an audible beat to step in time with. Either cue can be used on its own or both together.

The unit straps to the pole of the mobility aid, with a separate hand controller mounted near the handle so cues can be switched on and off without reaching down while walking. External cueing of this kind is often used by people with Parkinson's disease who experience freezing of gait. A physical therapist or movement disorder specialist can advise on how to set the cues up and use them effectively.

Features

• Green laser line that projects a visual stepping target onto the floor
• Adjustable metronome with cadence and volume controls
• Laser head rotates in multiple directions to position the line
• Hand controller that switches each cue on and off independently
• Rubber strap mounting that fits canes, walkers, rollators and walking poles
• Rechargeable internal battery with a colour-coded charge indicator
• Retractable USB charging cable

How It Works

The laser line and metronome act as external cues, which are intended to give the brain a target and a rhythm to organize movement around. Positioning the line in front of the feet gives a visible mark to step over, and setting the metronome to a comfortable walking tempo gives a beat to step in time with. Both are designed to help a user initiate and continue walking, and may help with stride length and turning.

Indications

A gait aid that uses visual and auditory cues to increase mobility.

Directions for Use

To attach the device:

1. Hold the back of the NexStride flat against the pole of the mobility aid. Hook one rubber strap to the device, wrap it around the pole, and hook it to the other side to secure the unit.
2. Attach the controller the same way with the second strap, positioning it near the handle of the mobility aid.
3. Connect the retractable cable to the NexStride and pull the cord up to the controller, pulling from both ends at once. Wipe the pole with the supplied alcohol wipe and let it dry, then peel the backing from the magnet and stick it to the pole where the cable sits best.

To use the cues:

1. For the laser line, position it either directly in front of your feet or a few feet ahead, then step over or toward the line.
2. For the metronome, rotate the cadence knob to set a comfortable walking tempo, then step to the beat.

Read the user manual before first use. A physical therapist or movement disorder specialist can help set the cues up for your walking pattern.

Safety Information

• The NexStride is not guaranteed to prevent or mitigate freezing of gait or falling. Walk safely.
• Do not position the laser where anyone could look directly into the beam, and do not view the beam through a telescope, magnifier or other optical device. Serious eye injury could result.
• Do not operate the laser around children, or allow children to operate it. Store the device out of reach of children and anyone untrained in its use.
• Turn the laser off when it is not in use.
• Do not open, disassemble, repair or modify the device. There are no user-serviceable parts inside and modification may cause hazardous laser radiation exposure. Contact the manufacturer for repairs.
• Do not remove or deface any warning label on the device.
• Do not use the device in the rain. It is not waterproof. Keep it away from moisture and do not insert anything into any opening.
• Do not use the device if it is cracked, frayed, broken, otherwise damaged, or fails to operate. Discontinue use if damage is suspected.
• Do not drop or step on the device.
• Do not operate the device outside its operating temperature range.
  

Specifications

Resources

• NexStride User Manual (PDF)

Package Includes

• 1 NexStride unit with rechargeable battery
• 1 NexStride hand controller
• 1 retractable USB cable
• 1 charging adapter
• 1 adhesive-backed magnet
• 2 rubber straps
• 1 alcohol wipe
• 1 user guide