Adaptive Ways to Walk with Parkinson's

     Parkinson's Disease is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases. It produces a wide range of symptoms (motor and non-motor). There are a few hallmark signs that clinicians use to diagnose PD. These signs include bradykinesia (slowed movement), tremors, rigidity, and postural instability. Each of these hallmark signs can greatly impact a person's ability to walk. The more symptoms someone has, the more difficulty they will have getting around. 

    I recently read an article from Brain & Life titled "How to Improve Gait in Parkinson's Disease." This article did an excellent job of describing many different compensatory strategies that allow those with Parkinson's to walk efficiently and safely. Researchers composed seven different categories of compensatory strategies.  Among those seven are internal and external cues. Internal cues include motivation tactics such as telling yourself "ready, set, go" before moving. Another example would be imagining an obstacle in front of you that requires stepping over.  Examples of external cues include walking to the beat of a metronome or using a laser pointer as a visual guide for stepping. A common symptom of Parkinson's is feeling stuck. These internal and external cues (as well as many other tactics) can trick the mind into accomplishing the seemingly impossible task of moving. 

    Other compensatory strategies include vicarious learning, relaxation methods, and using the legs in other ways. Vicarious learning takes place when you watch someone else successfully perform a skill. Someone with Parkinson's may be able to mimic someone's walking patterns when they cannot adequately carry out their own. Additionally, relaxation methods can reduce stress and muscle rigidity. Patients with Parkinson's may become easily frustrated because they can no longer perform skills that were once so easy for them. Feelings of frustration combined with stress and rigidity can greatly affect one's ability to walk. Meditation and other coping techniques techniques could be useful in relaxing their body and mind. Lastly, someone with Parkinson's may benefit from finding additional ways to use their legs. For example, someone who has difficulty walking may have no issues with riding a bike. All of these strategies coincide with the Biomechanical Frame of Reference. Each strategy aims to facilitate movement using physical or mental adaptations. 

    In conclusion, there are many creative ways to help those with Parkinson's get from one place to another. Through trial and error, therapists can help their client find a method that works best for them. I believe this article had wonderful suggestions, and I would highly recommend it to anyone with Parkinson's or someone who's interested in learning more. 

Brain & Life (2022). How to improve gait in Parkinson's disease. brain&life.org. https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/how-to-improve-gait-in-parkinsons-disease/?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=21%20Brain%20&%20Life&utm_content=Parkinson%27s%20Spotlight%209