Heel2Toe™ Walk-BEST Wearable
Description
Not everyone walks as well as is optimal to derive health and fitness benefits. You may be surprised that the way you walk, your gait, can be improved. People with poor gait often avoid walking and can even be at a high risk of falling. PhysioBiometrics Inc. is a company dedicated to developing accessible technologies to help people move better to move more.
The Heel2Toe™ sensor is a small wearable device that attaches to the side of the shoe and provides auditory feedback for an optimal gait pattern, one in which the step is initiated with a strong heel strike. This type of feedback acts through the dopamine system to stamp in a more normal gait pattern.
The sensor is designed to both assess gait and provide therapy. It can be used by therapists to provide gait training and be used by clients at home to self-manage their treatment.
To start, a minimum of 5 minutes twice a day of focused walking practice is recommended so muscles and joints can adapt to the new walking pattern. Many clients use it for longer walks both indoors, overground or on a treadmill, and outdoors. A recent clinical trial in people with Parkinsons’ showed that 13/14 people training at home with the Heel2Toe™ over a 3-month period improved on the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and 0/7 people receiving only exercise recommendations. The average change in the 6MWT in the Heel2Toe group was +66.4 meters while average change in the control group was -19.4 meters.
The gait pattern can be visualized through an application on a computer, smart phone or tablet.
Use the free Docking Station app to upload your data from your sensor to our servers and get your results!
