Cue Markers in Action
Check out this video collection from some of our exisiting customers and see how Cue Markers helped them to improve their mobility and independence.
How does it work?
Sensory cueing is defined as temporal or spatial stimuli, which facilitate repetitive movement usually provided as visual, tactile (touch) or auditory rhythmic signals.
In simple terms, cueing can be achieved by placing lines on the floor to guide a person on where to place their foot with each step (visual), playing a metronome beat which a person can sync their step pattern to the beat of (audio) or through vibration/touch which can act as a prompt for movement (tactile).
The leading hypothesis on why this method works, is that sensory cues can activate different neural pathways and areas of the brain that can control movement and are not damaged or degenerating because of the underlying condition.
In essence, sensory cues enable a person to bypass the automatic motor programs that are impaired in Parkinsons, prompting the brain to engage different neural pathways related to attention or a goal-oriented mode of motor control.
Cue Markers is one type of visual cue designed for people with Parkinson’s Disease to enable this detour effect. When installed as horizontal lines, cue markers provide a pathway of visual cues to guide someone with Parkinson’s Disease on where to step, by either placing their foot on each line as they walk forward or by stepping over each line like an obstacle, prompting the brain to engage other neural pathways for motor control.
Scientific Evidence
Cue Markers offer an evidence-based solution to assist gait and reduce or overcome freezing of gait in patients with PD. Transverse stripes/parallel lines pasted on the floor (like Cue Markers) have been known for decades as an effective means to assist gait and reduce or overcome freezing of gait. Their effect was already reported by James Purdon Martin (1967) more than half a century ago, and supported by many others (e.g. Dietz et al 1990, Morris et al. 1994a, 1994b, Forssberg et al. 1984, Azulay et al. 1996).
The recurring finding is that walking over parallel lines marked on a floor could reduce the occurrence of freezing of gait and improve several gait aspects when people with Parkinson's disease are instructed to step on or over each line as they walked across the floor. Recent findings by Snijders et al. (2012) even suggest that when the parallel lines are slightly raised the positive effects of walking to parallel lines on the floor may be even stronger. We have therefore implemented this height element into our Cue Markers.
Why not use regular tape?
Cue Markers aren't just an everyday adhesive floor tape, they're a class 1 medical device designed specifically for Parkinson's and we've integrated decades of scientific knowledge and know-how to improve mobility and independence for people with Parkinson's.
✔ Certified Class 1 Medical Device.
✔ Specifically designed for Parkinson's with raised height and bevelled edges to increase efficacy, while minimising trip hazard.
✔ Strong, durable adhesive for both hard floors and carpet.
✔ Patented design means it's easy to remove without leaving residue.
✔ PVC material means you can clean or vacuum floors as normal.
✔ Extensive user guide included to ensure correct installation and maximum efficacy.
Cue Markers - Case Studies
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Tony's story
Age: 64
Condition: Parkinson’s.
Diagnosed: 2015
Location: London, UK.
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Before
Tony has been experiencing a lot of “Freezing of Gait (FoG)” episodes where it feels like his feet are glued to the floor and he’s “stuck”.
These symptoms become more pronounced when going through doorways, turning, or navigating narrow or cramped spaces. Tony in particular likes spending time in his cellar downstairs, but the narrow passage creates so much difficulty in walking that he no longer spends time there, impacting his quality of life immensely.
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After
We visited Tony at his home in London, to try Cue Markers and to see if we could help him regain his mobility, confidence, and independence at home.
We installed Cue Markers on the hard surfaces and carpet in key problem areas to provide Tony with a visual cue to help him overcome his mobility symptoms.
Amazingly, cue markers had an immediate, positive effect on Tony’s walking (gait). Tony was able to navigate previous problem areas in his home with ease.
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Nigel's story
Age: 76
Condition: Parkinsonism (Vascular)
Diagnosed: 2016
Location: High Wycombe, UK.
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Before
In 2016, Nigel was diagnosed with Vascular dementia presenting the typical cognitive symptoms that are present with the condition.
Additionally, in 2018 Nigel began to experience Parkinsonism symptoms caused by his Vascular Dementia which severely impacted his walking (gait) and mobility.
In 2018, Nigel had become almost entirely wheelchair bound, unable to navigate between rooms within the house without significant difficulty and requiring continuous care and assistance.
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After
After first hearing about the concept of visual cueing from a physio at their local NHS hospital, Tom immediately tried coloured lines using exercise bands on the kitchen floor.
Amazingly, Nigel strolled across the lines with ease and regained significant mobility, almost running across them!
It’s fair to say that Cue Markers are now a permanent installation in the Finn household, and an important tool in caring for Nigel and maintaining maximum quality of life.
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Brians Story
Age:
Condition: Parkinson’s Disease
Diagnosed:
Location: London, UK
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Before
Brian has had Parkinson's for a number of years which predominantly impacts his mobility. In particular Brian experiences many "Freezing" episodes where he feels like his feet are glued to the floor and he's unable to initiate movement.
This can really impact his quality of life making the simple task of navigating his his own home, a real challenge.
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Result
We met Brian after we were introduced by his friend Tony who we've been working with to help his freezing at home.
We tried Cue Markers with Brian, and amazingly they had an immediate effect on his gait, alleviating freezing, increasing his step length and improving his cadence (walking speed).
In Brian's words "I was really focusing on them, so I think that helped to distract me from shuffling".
How do I install it?
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Step 1
Measure step length
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Step 2
Clean surface area
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Step 3
Cut and install the first length of tape
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Step 4
Continue installing lines in a horizontal path
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Step 5
Strolll
