What is shuffling walk syndrome, and who is at risk?

Reviewed by Courtney Bloomer, DO

Emergency Medicine

Shuffling walk syndrome is a type of walking pattern marked by very small, quick steps and difficulty lifting the feet. This can be seen in patients who have Parkinson’s disease, especially when their symptoms are more advanced.

Explanation

Shuffling walk syndrome means that a person takes many small steps rather than smooth, even strides. This happens because the brain signals that control movement do not work as well as they should. When people have Parkinson’s disease, they often experience stiffness and slow movement, which can lead to this kind of gait. Studies show that those with more severe symptoms of Parkinson’s disease tend to have shorter strides and reduced walking speed, making them more likely to use a shuffling gait. This walking pattern can also increase the risk of falls, so noticing these changes early is important for helping manage the condition. In simple terms, people with Parkinson’s disease, particularly when the disease is more advanced, are the ones most likely to show shuffling steps because their muscles and movement control are affected.

(References)

Lai YR, Lien CY, Huang CC, Lin WC, Chen YS, Yu CC, Cheng BC, Kung CT, Kung CF, Chiang YF, Hung YT, Chang HW, Lu CH. Clinical Disease Severity Mediates the Relationship between Stride Length and Speed and the Risk of Falling in Parkinson's Disease. J Pers Med. 2022 Jan 31;12(2):192. doi: 10.3390/jpm12020192. PMID: 35207680; PMCID: PMC8875632.
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.
Raccagni C, Nonnekes J, Bloem BR, Peball M, Boehme C, Seppi K, Wenning GK. Gait and postural disorders in parkinsonism: a clinical approach. J Neurol. 2020 Nov;267(11):3169-3176. doi: 10.1007/s00415-019-09382-1. Epub 2019 May 22. PMID: 31119450; PMCID: PMC7578144.

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