I agree. I think it is a finger guard. You can see that the lever for the presser foot is down, but if you watch one of the other Laga videos you will see a lady finish her sewing and pull the work out without lifting the lever. I think it is a finger guard to the left side of the needle and a fraction above the work. From what I can tell the material she is sewing (thin leather?) is firm and smooth, so so long as she is holding it down firmly it will not lift as the needle rises out of it with each stitch. It's free motion, but not quilting.
I found this video, along with Leah Day's videos, very useful before attempting FMQ on my 15K treadle. It showed the speed I needed to get the needle going at.