Gait and Balance Issues in Parkinson’s Disease

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Gait and Balance Issues in Parkinson’s Disease

Gait and balance issues are common in Parkinson’s disease, affecting mobility and increasing the risk of falls. Key characteristics include:

Gait Disturbances:

Shuffling walk: Small, short steps with limited foot clearance, often described as a “shuffling” gait.
Reduced arm swing: Arms swing less or asymmetrically while walking.
Difficulty initiating movement (start hesitation): Patients may have trouble starting to walk, feeling “frozen” in place.
Freezing of gait: Sudden, brief episodes where the feet appear to be “glued” to the ground, especially in confined spaces or when turning.
Festinating gait: A tendency to take faster and smaller steps as if chasing the body’s center of gravity, often resulting in a forward tilt.
Turning difficulties: Difficulty making turns, often requiring several small steps instead of a smooth pivot.

Balance Issues:

Postural instability: Difficulty maintaining an upright posture, increasing the likelihood of falls.
Impaired balance reflexes: A reduced ability to make automatic adjustments when balance is disturbed, such as when walking on uneven surfaces.
Stooped posture: Leaning forward or backward, which further challenges balance.

These gait and balance issues significantly impact the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, often leading to reduced mobility, dependence, and a higher risk of injury. Physical therapy, balance exercises, and assistive devices can help mitigate some of these symptoms.