Walking Difficulties in Parkinson’s Disease:
Understanding Mobility and Support Options
Moveo
People living with Parkinson’s disease often experience progressive changes in walking ability. These changes may include:
- Shortened steps (shuffling gait)
- Reduced walking speed
- Freezing of gait (FOG)
- Difficulty initiating movement
- Fatigue during walking
- Reduced balance and stability
We develop wearable gait-assistance technology designed to support natural movement patterns and complement rehabilitation therapy.
WHAT HAPPENS TO WALKING IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects the brain’s ability to control movement. It primarily impacts dopamine-producing neurons, which play a key role in movement initiation, gait rhythm, coordination and postural stability.
As Parkinson’s progresses, many individuals experience gait disturbances that significantly affect independence and quality of life.
COMMON GAIT CHANGES INCLUDE:
- Reduced stride length
- Decreased arm swing
- Slower gait speed
- Stooped posture
- Increased double-support time
- Difficulty turning or changing direction
Research in neurorehabilitation shows that gait impairment is one of the most functionally limiting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and a major contributor to falls and loss of independence.
FREEZING OF GAIT (FOG)
Freezing of gait is one of the most challenging symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. It is described as a temporary inability to step forward, even when the person intends to walk.
Common triggers may include: Turning, Crowded environments, Stress or anxiety, dual-tasking (walking while talking), doorways or narrow spaces.
IMPACT:
- Increased fall risk
- Loss of confidence
- Reduced community participation
- Avoidance of walking activities
HOW WEARABLE GAIT ASSISTANCE MAY HELP
Wearable gait-assistance technologies are being explored as an additional tool in neurological rehabilitation.
ExoBand is an innovative walking aid designed to support smoother, more controlled movement, helping users regain confidence. ExoBand uses mechanical energy return and gait-phase assistance principles to support hip and leg movement during walking.
Lightweight, discreet, and easy to use, the ExoBand provides targeted support to improve mobility, balance, and walking consistency. Unlike traditional aids, it works with the body to encourage natural motion, making everyday activities safer and more manageable.
For those seeking an effective solution to Parkinson’s mobility challenges, the ExoBand offers a modern, user-friendly approach to overcoming freezing of gait and staying active.
WHO MAY BENEFIT?
You may consider gait-assistance technologies if you experience:
- Difficulty initiating walking
- Reduced walking endurance
- Frequent freezing episodes
- Shuffling gait pattern
- Fatigue during mobility tasks
- Reduced community walking ability
EXOBAND AND PARKINSON: EFFECTS ON GAIT, MOBILITY AND REHABILITATION OUTCOMES
Several clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Exoband in Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological diseases: Read the article.
- Walking with ExoBand leads to a reduction in metabolic cost in the elderly (−4.2 ± 1.9%).
- During a 5-week training study in patients with neurological diseases, the use of ExoBand resulted in an increase in walking capacity of approximately 15.5%, with a reduction in the effort rate perceived by patients.
- In neurological patients, physiotherapy sessions conducted with ExoBand induce a more pronounced improvement in walking speed compared to standard physiotherapy protocols (+14.3% vs. +9.1%).
- Rehabilitation with ExoBand can speed up recovery after femur fracture surgery.
- Patients with Multiple Sclerosis using ExoBand at home over the long term reported an improvement in quality of movement and increased walking distance.
- In patients with neurological diseases (neuromuscular), the use of ExoBand leads to an increase in walking speed and distance covered, increased stride width, and an increased range of hip flexion-extension.
The benefits in terms of disability compensation are therefore:
- Improvement of the results of individual physiotherapy treatments, both ameliorating standard clinical treatments and allowing independent rehabilitation sessions at home.
- Maintenance of muscle function and general physical wellbeing in patients with PD and other neurological diseases.
- Reduction of energy expenditure, with less fatigue perceived by the patient and a lower risk of falling.
- Greater participation in social life and work.
“Patients felt more confident while walking.”
Patent granted in EU, USA e China