Freezing of gait (also called “freezing” or “magnetization”) is a transient phenomenon in which the affected person cannot take a step because he/she is unable to lift his/her feet off the ground; he/she has the sensation that his/her feet are “stuck to the ground”. Walking becomes something that is no longer automatic and the patient has to think about taking the next step. It is striking that people suffering from gait block do not have problems with other motor patterns such as climbing stairs, riding a bike or even riding a horse.
This problem appears in people with parkinsonisms because the brain pattern that directs gait is altered. It is important that a neurologist makes the diagnosis of gait blockage and treatment is started as soon as possible. The most effective treatment is based on gait re-education, based on physiotherapy strategies. It will be crucial to treat blockages because they increase the risk of falls and contribute to social isolation.
Blocks commonly appear at the moment of starting to walk, at turns and when passing through narrow places (in doorways or when entering an elevator); but they can occur at any time during ambulation. They are usually worse or triggered in crowded situations, when the person is multitasking or is more nervous.
Blockages can be resolved with physical therapy guidelines and strategies.
It involves paying attention to external stimuli. These strategies are called sensory cues and are intended to compensate for movement difficulties.
We recommend that the patient consult a physiotherapist to design and train those strategies that are most useful to him/her.
Each person is different and exercises should be designed individually.
Here are two videos showing useful tools to improve blocking. The objective will be to perform the movements in a more conscious, fragmented, sequenced way and to practice a lot the strategy to “automate” this new pattern and to be able to initiate and maintain the gait.
4Ps Method: Stop, Position, Weight, Step (link to 4Ps method)
Sensitive tracks for blockages
