festinating gait
Pronunciation: FES-ti-nay-ting
A shuffling, accelerating walking pattern with short, rapid steps often seen in Parkinson's disease patients.
Full Definition
Festinating gait is characterized by a forward-flexed posture, shuffling steps that become progressively faster and shorter, and difficulty stopping once movement begins. This gait pattern results from the combination of postural instability, bradykinesia, and rigidity typical in Parkinson's disease. Rehabilitation professionals must assess fall risk carefully, as patients may be unable to stop or change direction quickly. Treatment often involves cueing strategies, visual targets, and balance training to improve gait initiation and termination.
Usage
Usage note: Not to be confused with other abnormal gait patterns - specify the accelerating, shuffling characteristics.
In Context
- "The patient demonstrated a festinating gait with increasing velocity and decreased step length." — Physical therapy evaluation
- "Fall risk assessment revealed multiple episodes related to his festinating gait pattern." — Interdisciplinary team meeting notes