Path Finder for freezing of gait in people with Parkinson’s disease

The technology described in this briefing is Path Finder laser shoe attachment. It is used as a walking aid and is designed to help prevent freezing of gait in people with Parkinson's disease.

The innovative aspects are that it is currently the only hands-free visual-cueing device for people with Parkinson's disease available in the UK.

The intended place in therapy would be in place of other visual-cue walking aids but together with a reduced number of physiotherapy sessions, depending on the individuals' disease stage and personal preference. It would be used by the patient in their home or in the physiotherapy clinic. It may also be used in physiotherapy as a training tool for people with early stages of Parkinson's disease.

The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 1 case report and 2 observational pilot studies involving a total of 21 adults with Parkinson's disease and freezing of gait symptoms. They show that Path Finder has the potential to reduce freezing of gait and the risk of falls in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Key uncertainties around the evidence or technology are that available evidence is limited in quantity and quality, based on a small number of patients and lacking in evidence from an NHS healthcare setting.

The cost of Path Finder is £395 per unit (exclusive of VAT). The resource impact would be an additional upfront cost to current practice. However, the use of the technology may be resource releasing if it can reduce the incidence of falls and emergency visits.