European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 3, 49-59 (2010) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2010.004

FREEZING OF GAIT IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE: IMPACT ON FALLS RISK, WALKING AIDS UTILIZATION, AND ASSISTANCE-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR

Ehab Georgy
Senior Physiotherapist, Hampshire Community Health Care, United Kingdom

Freezing of Gait (FOG) is one of the most disturbing symptoms in advanced stage of Parkinson's disease (PD) that is strongly associated with recurrent falls and reduced functional independence. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of FOG on mobility in terms of risk of falls, walking aids utilization and assistance-seeking behaviour by comparing freezers (FRs) and nonfreezers (NFRs). Clinical and demographic data, including disease duration, stage and characteristics, cognition, edication, history of falls, walking aids utilization, and assistanceseeking behaviour was collected from 102 subjects with PD from three medical centres in Belgium, Israel, and UK. Association between FOG and other disease characteristics, medication, falls, walking aids, and need for carers' assistance was investigated. Comparing FRs and NFRs showed significant difference in history of previous falls, walking aids utilization, and need for carers' assistance. More than half of the FRs reported previous fall and a need for walking aids for mobility compared to 20% in NFRs group. A vicious cycle exists among subjects with PD who experience FOG. Gait freezing induces increased risk and frequency of falls as well as increased fear of falling, which in turn increases the tendency towards higher reliance on carers' assistance and more utilization of walking aids.

Keywords: Parkinson's disease, gait freezing, falls, walking aids, assistance

Prepublished online: February 5, 2011; Published: March 31, 2010  Show citation

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Georgy, E. (2010). FREEZING OF GAIT IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE: IMPACT ON FALLS RISK, WALKING AIDS UTILIZATION, AND ASSISTANCE-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 3(1), 49-59. doi: 10.5507/euj.2010.004
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