Freezing of gait (FOG), the feeling like your feet are stuck or glued to the floor when trying to walk is a common motor symptom of PD. Many people will say that their brain is telling their body to move, but their body won't listen. This commonly happens when changing directions, changing positions, navigating stairs, navigating obstacles, or trying to move/walk quickly. Some people can fall due to freezing of gait. Let's talk about why feeling glued occurs and what you can do about it.
Freezing of gait tends to happen when people are trying to do two things at once, otherwise known as dual tasking. This means that you are trying to accomplish one motor task at the same time as you are trying to accomplish a second motor or cognitive task. For example, walking and talking on the phone or walking and putting a jacket on at the same time. Any time we do two things at once, we are not completing the task as efficiently as we could if our attention was solely on that one task. In people with PD, this gets heightened. One of the tasks can worsen significantly. Typically, those that complete a motor and a cognitive task struggle more than those who complete two motor tasks. There are several areas of the brain that become involved with dual tasking, such as the frontal lobe, cerebellum, and basal ganglia. When the connection between these areas are disrupted, let's say by Parkinson's, the ability to complete the tasks become a lot more challenging.
Anxiety and stress can also worsen freezing of gait, especially if you are worried about falling or you feel pressured to walk or move faster. The thought is that the anxiety and stress adds to your cognitive load, meaning you are dual tasking! Without realizing it, you are not giving yourself the time and attention to focus on how you are moving.
How to reduce FOG
Work with a physical and occupational therapist to improve your dual tasking abilities, as well as any strength, endurance, and flexibility concerns.
Use a walker, cane, or an assistive device with lasers to help get you to move bigger
Address your anxiety and stress, either independently or with a mental health professional
Exercise regularly at high intensity at least 3 days per week. Higher intensity helps promote neuroplasticity, meaning the areas of your brain that are impacted by Parkinson's can be positively changed.
Install good lightning in your home. This helps reduce the cognitive load.
Listen to a metronome or music that helps pace your steps.
Practice getting up from the floor. We are all going to fall at some point in life. Don't let the first time you fall be the first time you practice getting up. FOG will occur in periods of high stress, like getting up after a fall.
Talk with your neurologist about possibly increasing medication or changing medication entirely
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