These laser shoes were designed with Parkinson's patients in mind. Conceived by Murielle Ferraye of the University of Twente in the Netherlands, the laser cue shoe is supposed to stop gait freezing and reduce symptoms for people suffering with Parkinson's disease.
The footwear is equipped with small lasers to help them maintain their balance and continue to walk normally when their illness prevents them from taking the next step. Each shoe in the pair has a laser projection device installed in the toe, emitting a red line approximately 18 inches ahead. This helps the wearer walk in a line and have something to aim for when gait freezing occurs. The laser isn't in use when the shoes are in motion and will only project when feet are resting.
Symptom-Reducing Laser Shoes
The Footwear Prevents Parkinson's Patients From Freezing When Walking
Trend Themes
1. Laser Shoes for Parkinson's - Opportunity for developing innovative footwear that incorporates laser technology to reduce symptoms and improve mobility for Parkinson's patients.
2. Gait Freezing Prevention - Potential for creating solutions that prevent gait freezing and enable individuals with Parkinson's disease to walk more smoothly and confidently.
3. Assistive Technologies for Movement Disorders - Growing market for technological advancements that assist individuals with movement disorders like Parkinson's in maintaining independence and mobility.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - Opportunity for healthcare providers and innovators to develop and provide laser shoes and other assistive technologies for Parkinson's patients.
2. Footwear - Potential for footwear companies to explore the development of laser shoes and other specialized footwear products for individuals with movement disorders.
3. Medical Devices - Opportunity for medical device manufacturers to create innovative laser cue devices and other technologies that assist in preventing gait freezing and improving mobility for Parkinson's patients.