Follow the Leader
Intervention Summary
Goals: Gait training
Patient task: Walk behind the dog and follow where it goes
Dog task: Walk at different speeds, different directions
Scale: Assistive device use, surfaces
Equipment needed: None
Intervention Overview
Let’s play a little Follow the Leader! Your patient walks behind the facility dog and mimics whatever movements the dog does — if the dog walks faster, the patient walks faster; and if the dog zig-zags, the patient zig-zags. The unexpected changes in walking pattern are a great physical and cognitive challenge for simulating real-world ambulation.
Patient Instructions
Patient is set up to walk behind the facility dog
Tell the patient to follow behind the facility dog, copying whatever movements the dog does.
Give reminders for the tasks, as needed (e.g. “She’s moving faster now! Try to match her speed”)
Dog’s Role
Dog starts in heel position
Dog walks alongside handler, who gives cues for changing directions, speed, etc.
Interaction level: active
Scaling
Make it easier:
Walk on even surfaces indoors
Give patient cues to remember each task
Minimize the number of direction changes or challenges in the walk
Shorter distances
Make it harder:
Walk on uneven surfaces or outdoors
Increase number of challenges in the walk
Add strength or dual task challenges — (e.g. when the dog sits, patient does a squat; when the dog walks forward, name all the NFL teams)
Additional Notes
Our most common activities:
Forward/backward walking
Side stepping
Zig-zagging
Turning
Quick start/stop
Variable speeds
