RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
A1 Georgy, Ehab
T1 FREEZING OF GAIT IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE: IMPACT ON FALLS RISK, WALKING AIDS UTILIZATION, AND ASSISTANCE-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR
JF European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity
YR 2010
VO 3
IS 1
SP 49
OP 59
DO 10.5507/euj.2010.004
UL https://eujapa.upol.cz/artkey/euj-201001-0004.php
AB 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.