How Is a Shuffling Walk Associated with Parkinson's Disease?

Reviewed by Tomas Diaz, MD

Emergency Medicine

A shuffling walk occurs when a person takes short, dragging steps. This movement pattern is commonly seen in people with Parkinson's disease due to brain changes associated with the disease.

Explanation

In Parkinson's disease, the brain is altered leading to stiffness, slowed movements, and trouble with balance. As a result, people with Parkinson’s disease may find it difficult to lift their feet properly and take very short, shuffling steps. This distinctive walking pattern, sometimes called festination, is a common sign of Parkinson's disease. Studies show that changes in walking patterns can occur in patients regardless of their cognitive function, making it a important sign that doctors look for. Along with other symptoms like stiffness and tremors, doctors use the presence of a shuffling gait to help diagnose Parkinson's disease.

(References)

Kim SM, Kim DH, Yang Y, Ha SW, Han JH. Gait Patterns in Parkinson's Disease with or without Cognitive Impairment. Dement Neurocogn Disord. 2018 Jun;17(2):57-65. doi: 10.12779/dnd.2018.17.2.57. Epub 2018 Jul 24. PMID: 30906393; PMCID: PMC6427969.
Galli M, Vicidomini C, Rozin Kleiner AF, Vacca L, Cimolin V, Condoluci C, Stocchi F, De Pandis MF. Peripheral neurostimulation breaks the shuffling steps patterns in Parkinsonian gait: a double blind randomized longitudinal study with automated mechanical peripheral stimulation. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2018 Dec;54(6):860-865. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.18.05037-2. Epub 2018 Feb 19. PMID: 29457707.
Internet]. Brisbane (AU): Codon Publications; 2018 Dec 21. Chapter 6. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536715/

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