A large meta-analysis published last year (Zhang et al, 2021) reported that more than half of patients with Parkinson’s Disease experience, more or less regularly, episodes of Freezing Of Gait (FOG). FOG is an episodic symptom of Parkinson’s, meaning that, suddenly, the patient can no longer move forward, despite wanting to do so. For the person, this can feel as if the feet are stuck to the floor. Freezing of gait typically lasts just a few seconds and can be triggered by environmental features such as a doorway or a change in flooring. Turning, initiating walking, or maneuvering around obstacles can cause freezing, while any stress or anxiety can worsen the symptoms. This could happen, for example, when someone is being rushed.
The freezing episodes are also a significant contributor to the risk of falls for people affected by Parkinson’s disease. Seventy percent of patients experience a fall annually, leading to significant injuries and loss of mobility all together (Wood 2002). During an episode, the feet suddenly stop in place or make short quick steps, but the trunk continues moving forward. This causes an imbalance which can lead to a fall.
The symptoms are difficult to treat as they do not necessarily respond well to the standard treatment options of medication (Levodopa) and deep brain stimulation. Nearly 50 percent of Parkinson’s Disease patients experience freezing of gait during their “on-medication” periods when other symptoms are well managed by Levodopa (Perez-Lloret 2014).
Non-invasive therapeutic options such as Gondola Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation (AMPS Therapy) can offer concrete support to standard physical rehabilitation plans by increasing balance and stability even when recurrent episodes of FOG challenge the patient’s independence.
Among the documented benefits of Gondola AMPS Therapy on patients with PD, there are significant improvements in walking abilities, including speed, stride length, gait variability, and turning.
REFERENCE
Perez-Lloret S, Negre-Pages L, Damier P, et al. Prevalence, Determinants, and Effect on Quality of Life of Freezing of Gait in Parkinson Disease. JAMA Neurol. 2014;71(7):884–890. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2014.753
Wood BH, Bilclough JA, Bowron A, Walker RW. Incidence and prediction of falls in Parkinson’s disease: a prospective multidisciplinary study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2002 Jun;72(6):721-5. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.72.6.721. PMID: 12023412; PMCID: PMC1737913.
