Clinical review
Reviewer: Jeremy Steinberg, GP, FRNZCGP
Date of review: May 2019
Comments: "Cueing” is a tool used for patients with Parkinson’s disease to help reduce episodes of freezing during walking. The cue serves as a reference point for movement, and can be auditory, visual or tactile. The app uses auditory cues (called rhythmic auditory stimulation) in the form of a metronome and various selected musical pieces. There is moderate evidence for its effectiveness in the short term.The app makes it clear, which I agree with, that it should be used under guidance from a physiotherapist. The app could be improved by adding tactile cues (vibration), but auditory cueing has more evidence and is generally more effective. Visual cueing is another method but I’m not sure how that could be implemented in app form. Adding wearable technology connectivity could also be a very useful feature.
Safety concerns: None
New Zealand relevance: This is a locally developed app – developed in Christchurch(external link).
Conflict of interest: The reviewer obtained a free copy of the app in exchange for an unbiased review.
