Dear Oldbiddie

Thanks for the input and I really value your comments as they show your expertise and experience. If there was a study that showed that the majority of parkinsons clients manage well with the U step walker, then I would probably advise most of my clients to get one if I thought they were safe with it. As I have no experience with the U step walker I reserve my comments on its safety for "all" PWPs.

However, Im slightly confused with your explanation for the symptoms of Pakinsons, You say Festination is a phase? so is "retropulsion"? that freezing is not caused by PD but by the medication given? I may be wrong but in my experience medication is given to alleviate these symptoms, of course it can make it worse if the dosage is too high however in no way does the medication cause the symptoms that are classic to true PD.

Please these symptoms are classic to parkinsons, they do not occur in all but clinically thats how parkinsons is diagnosed without having to do a brain scan(at least three of the symptoms present suggests PD). I dont want anyone misinformed. Of course there are other Parkinsonian type diseases, that medication appears to not have any effect on i.e PSP etc.

With regards how a parkinsons patient can use a static frame, the gentleman in question had been using that frame for years until his symptoms progressed. Similarly, some professionals might wonder how a PD can use a walking stick but some can others wont be able to...all depends on the severity and presence of the symptoms.

Ultimately what would also impede the use of a walking aid effectively and safely would be the state of cognitive impairment associated with the condition. Ultimately my standpoint is an assessment is always necessary.

If you have any materials on the Ustep walker (research paper wise), pls send me some, id be more than happy to educate myself

Cheers