Parkies Pals
Forward to the Future
Exercise routines and equipment, shared by Kerry.
Welcome! Here, I will share exercise routines and equipment I’ve tried or am aware of.
Please note: Any comments below reflect my opinion and are not official endorsements from either Parkinson’s UK or the medical profession.
Exoskeleton
I’m looking to make arrangements to try an Exoskeleton, which I hope will help me walk for longer. I’ll update this post in due course.
gaitQ tempo
A discreet wearable system designed to support a more fluid and stable walking pattern for people with Parkinson’s.
gaitQ tempo™ uses gentle vibrations, known as cueing, to provide a subtle prompt that can help maintain a more consistent walking rhythm. The cues are delivered through discreet wearable devices worn on the lower legs.
I trialled gaitQ tempo™ in 2024 and found it helpful for my walking. However, I found the ongoing maintenance costs too high to make continued use practical.
Beechband
A simple wearable approach to Parkinson’s
Beechband is an affordable, wrist-worn device that delivers gentle rhythmic vibrations to people with Parkinson’s.
The vibrations mimic a heartbeat and give the brain an external rhythmic cue that may help regulate movement and other daily functions.
Users report benefits such as better mobility, speech, sleep and relaxation, and less rigidity, dyskinesia, anxiety and stress, though results vary from person to person.
The manufacturer describes it as a wellness product, not a medical device, and advises seeking medical advice first if you have a pacemaker, have had DBS, or have other health concerns.