Exercise, Freezing of Gait, and Postural Instability

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Dr. Jay Alberts discusses why and when postural instability and freezing of gait tend to happen in people with Parkinson's and how exercise can impact these symptoms.
0:00 - Introduction
7:41 - How cognitive and physical skills are connect to freezing of gait
11:06 - What you can do to improve your cognitive and physical skills
15:20 - Music’s impact on walking and freezing of gait
16:30 - Deep Brain Stimulation
18:28 - The importance of managing postural instability and freezing of gait
19:55 - Using assistive devices
22:40 - LSVT Big programming
23:13 - Dizziness and postural instability
24:15 - Festination of gait
26:40 - Laser canes & the importance of physical therapy
33:55 - Suggestions for a hunched back
33:54 - Strength training
36:33 - Retraining your brain to address freezing
38:58 - How much exercise is enough and how much is too much?
42:25 - What increases fall risk?
46:40 - Boxing
47:45 - Stairs and freezing of gait
49:15 - Anxiety and freezing of gait
50:50 - Theracycle
54:40 - Gait belts
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[@showmefl163]

This was a terrific webinar for my husband and I to watch. He learned a lot about his disease and the issues he was having.

[@splashesin8]

This helps me with more specific words to explain a few things.

[@geraldinestephenson5025]

THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE,THOUGHTFUL planning of each lesson.Our individual needs are met despite the fact that so many of us are in the meeting. Sincere prayers for you PERSONALLY PLEASE ACCEPT MY ETERNAL GRATITUDE

[@catherinewalpole6392]

Yes, when I approached a narrowing in my kitchen, while carrying a laundry, I freeze. I find keeping my head up and assuring myself I can fit, it helps.

[@davisphinneyfdn]

Doorways and transitions in flooring can be major challenges. There are many tricks people use, some walk with music, some use markings on the floor, and others use other cues--like positive self-talk and looking up at a point on the other side of the doorway. However you navigate freezing, do so attentively in order to minimize fall risk.

[@johnbianchi2078]

terrific webinar

[@noelig4152]

Thank you for this information.
My husband had his 1st facial freeze upon wakening, so there was no cognitive demand except sitting up, which he's capable of doing.
How does something like this happen?

[@davisphinneyfdn]

Thanks for your comment. Facial masking is common in Parkinson's, and dystonia of facial muscles can occur. Dystonia is essentially abnormal muscle tone or contraction, and it can be related to holding an unusual posture for an extended period, so experiencing some unusual facial freezing upon waking is possible. More generally, it is also fairly common for people with Parkinson's to have difficulty with movement early in the morning, before medication kicks in.

[@noelig4152]

@davisphinneyfdn Thank you for that explanation. We are afraid for my husband to be alone because of freezes, especially gait freezing.

[@minaryce9208]

My husband is blind and can’t use a walker. Is coming home today . So what can I do to help him. He uses a blind cane. I bought him a cane with 4 legs to steady him. He doesn’t want to use it because he uses his hands to feel his way. Please help me. His feet sometimes look like they’re stuck to the floor...then they move. Any suggestions.

[@davisphinneyfdn]

@Mina - have you tried music to help him walk?

[@josephjugan6306]

😮Olio

[@oumavenkanah5356]

8

[@royboggs3849]

Weak