Frequently Asked Questions
From set-up to reporting, we have the answers. We’ve answered the most frequent questions from providers, therapists, and patients.
Here are the GaitBetter FAQs:
What is GaitBetter?
GaitBetter is an advanced gait rehabilitation system that adds virtual simulations to any existing treadmill to enable personalized motor-cognitive training that improves walking skills, cognitive functions, and reduces fall risks. It is designed to simulate real-world walking challenges in a safe, controlled environment, allowing users to practice and improve how they walk in everyday life. By stimulatingly integrating walking and cognitive training, GaitBetter helps individuals regain independence and move with greater confidence.
How does GaitBetter work?
GaitBetter works by combining treadmill walking with interactive virtual environments that present real-life challenges such as obstacles, changing pathways, and distractions. While walking, users are required to respond to these scenarios, engaging both their body and brain simultaneously. This dual-task approach strengthens coordination, improves reaction time, and enhances the ability to walk safely in complex real-world situations.
Who can benefit from GaitBetter
GaitBetter is designed for a wide range of individuals who experience mobility challenges. This includes older adults at risk of falling, people living with Parkinson’s disease, stroke survivors, amputees, and individuals recovering from surgery or injury. It is also beneficial for those who want to proactively maintain mobility and prevent decline, making it suitable for both rehabilitation and wellness-focused users.
What makes GaitBetter different from traditional physical therapy?
Traditional physical therapy often focuses on isolated physical exercises, whereas GaitBetter integrates both motor and cognitive training in a dynamic, real-world context. By combining walking with decision-making tasks and environmental challenges, it better prepares users for everyday situations. This approach has been shown to improve functional outcomes more effectively, particularly when it comes to reducing fall risk and improving walking adaptability.
Does GaitBetter help reduce falls?
Yes, reducing fall risk is one of GaitBetter’s primary goals. The system trains users to react to unexpected situations, such as obstacles or distractions, while walking. This improves balance, coordination, and cognitive processing, all of which are critical for preventing falls. Over time, users develop better stability and awareness, which translates into safer movement in daily life. Over 25 Peer-reviewed research papers have been published that demonstrate treatment with GaitBetter can reduce falls by up to 70%.
Is GaitBetter suitable for people with Parkinson’s disease?
Yes, GaitBetter is highly effective for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. It helps improve key gait parameters such as walking speed, stride length, and symmetry, while also addressing challenges like freezing of gait. The combination of visual cues and cognitive engagement helps retrain movement patterns, leading to more fluid and confident walking.
Can stroke survivors use GaitBetter?
Absolutely. Stroke survivors often face challenges with coordination, balance, and walking symmetry. GaitBetter provides repetitive, task-specific training that promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and recover function. By practicing walking in a controlled yet dynamic environment, users can regain mobility and improve independence.
How does virtual reality improve walking?
Virtual reality enhances walking by simulating real-life environments that require active decision-making and adaptation. Instead of simply walking in the clinic floor,, users must navigate obstacles, respond to visual cues, and adjust their movements. This creates a more meaningful and functional training experience, helping the brain and body work together more effectively.
Is GaitBetter safe?
Yes, safety is a core component of the GaitBetter system. Users are supported by a harness system while walking on the treadmill, reducing the risk of falls during training. Sessions are supervised by trained professionals who tailor the program to each individual’s ability level, ensuring a safe and effective experience.
How quickly can users see results?
Many users begin to notice improvements in walking speed, balance, and confidence within just a few weeks of consistent training. Results can vary depending on the individual’s condition and starting point, but the structured and engaging nature of GaitBetter helps accelerate progress compared to traditional approaches.
What is dual-task training and why is it important?
Dual-task training involves performing a cognitive task while walking, such as responding to visual cues or making decisions. This is important because walking in real life often requires multitasking, like talking, navigating obstacles, or reacting to the environment. Training both the brain and body together improves overall walking safety and function.
Can GaitBetter help prevent mobility decline in older adults?
Yes, GaitBetter is an effective tool for preventing mobility decline. By maintaining and improving walking ability, balance, and coordination, it helps older adults stay active and independent for longer. Early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of falls and their associated health complications.
Is GaitBetter only for rehabilitationor alsofor prevention
GaitBetter is designed for both rehabilitation and prevention. While it is highly effective for individuals recovering from injury or managing neurological conditions, it is also valuable for those who want to proactively maintain mobility, reduce fall risk, and support healthy aging.
Does GaitBetter improve walking speed?
Yes, improving walking speed is a key outcome of GaitBetter training. Walking speed is often referred to as the “sixth vital sign” because it is closely linked to overall health and longevity. Faster, more efficient walking can indicate improved strength, coordination, and cardiovascular health.
Can amputees use GaitBetter?
Yes, GaitBetter is well-suited for amputees working to regain walking ability. It helps improve gait symmetry, balance, and confidence while using a prosthetic limb. The controlled environment allows for safe practice and gradual progression, supporting a more natural and efficient walking pattern.
Do I need to buy a new treadmill to use GaitBetter?
No, GaitBetter is an add-on to almost all types of treadmills that are used in rehabilitation hospitals, physical therapy clinics and senior living facilities. Installing the GaitBetter system is simple and takes no more than a couple of hours.
Is GaitBetter covered by insurance?
GaitBetter uses the Category III CPT add-on code 0791T for its semi-immersive virtual reality-facilitated gait training. This code is billed in conjunction with CPT 97116 (Gait Training) for 15-minute, motor-cognitive, AI-based, treadmill-integrated sessions to treat motor-cognitive, post-acute, or chronic neurological impairments.
Where can I access GaitBetter?
GaitBetter is available in rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and senior living communities. Availability continues to expand as more providers adopt advanced gait training technologies. You can check the GaitBetter website or contact a provider to find a location near you.
How long is a typical GaitBetter session?
A typical session lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the individual’s needs and endurance level. Sessions are structured to maximize effectiveness while ensuring safety and comfort.
When GaitBetter training is coupled with a standard rehab/ physical therapy session, adding 10-15 minutes of GaitBetter walking will lead to quicker and more positive outcomes.
Do I need a referral touseGaitBetter?
Referral requirements vary by location and provider. Some facilities may require a physician’s referral, while others offer direct access. Providers can guide users through the process and help determine eligibility.
How often should someone train with GaitBetter?
Most programs recommend training two to three times per week to achieve optimal results. Consistency is key, as regular sessions help reinforce motor learning and improve long-term outcomes.
After the inisital 15-visit Program, it is recommended to continue with a Maintenance Program of weekly 30 minute motor cognitive training.
Does GaitBetter help with balance?
Yes, GaitBetter significantly improves balance by exposing users to dynamic and unpredictable walking scenarios. This helps strengthen the systems responsible for stability and coordination, leading to better balance in daily life.
Can GaitBetter improve confidence in walking?
Yes, many users report a noticeable increase in confidence after completing a GaitBetter program. By practicing walking in a safe and supportive environment, individuals feel more secure and less fearful of falling.
Is GaitBetter suitable for people with mild mobility issues?
Yes, GaitBetter is highly effective for individuals with mild mobility challenges. Early use can prevent further decline and help maintain independence, making it a valuable tool for proactive health management.
What is the role of cognitive training in walking?
Walking requires more than physical ability, it involves attention, planning, and quick decision-making. Cognitive training improves these functions, helping individuals respond more effectively to real-world situations and reducing the risk of accidents.
How is progress tracked in GaitBetter?
GaitBetter uses data-driven metrics to monitor improvements in walking speed, step patterns, balance, and performance over time. This allows clinicians to adjust programs and ensures that users can see measurable progress.
Can GaitBetter be customized for each user?
Yes, every GaitBetter program is tailored to the individual. Difficulty levels, virtual scenarios, and training goals are adjusted based on the user’s condition, ability, and progress.
Does GaitBetter improve quality of life?
Yes, improved mobility has a direct impact on quality of life. Users often experience greater independence, increased social engagement, and improved mental well-being as their confidence and physical ability improve.
Why is walking ability so important for health?
Walking ability is a strong indicator of overall health and independence. It is closely linked to longevity, fall risk, and the ability to perform daily activities. Maintaining good walking function is essential for healthy aging.
30. How can I introduce GaitBetter to my rehabilitation facility?
Getting started is simple. You can schedule an online Demo with one of our team who will learn about your facility needs, and explain how GaitBetter can form a central part of your rehabilitation treatment delivery.
We hope you have found these FAQs helpful. Please contact us if you have aany additional questions.