Advances in Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease

Yaning Hao; Tianying Fang; Qingli Song; Lin Zhang

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Advances in Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease

Yaning Hao, Tianying Fang, Qingli Song, Lin Zhang^*

Published in International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy (Volume 11, Issue 1)

Received: 16 March 2025 Accepted: 27 March 2025 Published: 17 April 2025

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, marked by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies. The depletion of dopamine in the striatum and the resulting imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitters lead to a gradual worsening of symptoms. These encompass both motor manifestations such as tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, as well as non-motor symptoms including sleep disorders, olfactory impairment, autonomic dysfunction, and cognitive or psychiatric disturbances. This review examines the pathogenesis, clinical progression, and therapeutic interventions for PD-related gait disturbances. The discussion focuses on potential mechanisms driving gait dysfunction, the evolution of symptoms across different disease stages, and current treatment options ranging from pharmacological to rehabilitative approaches. By integrating these perspectives, the article seeks to contribute novel insights into the diagnosis and management of PD, with the ultimate goal of improving patients’ functional mobility and overall quality of life. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing evidence and emerging strategies, it highlights opportunities to address unmet needs in PD care, emphasizing personalized and multidisciplinary solutions to optimize long-term outcomes for affected individuals.

Published in	International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy (Volume 11, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11
Page(s)	1-5
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Parkinson's Disease, Gait Disorder, Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, Treatment

References

[1]	Su, D., Cui, Y., He, C., et al. (2025). Projections for prevalence of Parkinson's disease and its driving factors in 195 countries and territories to 2050: modelling study of Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Bmj, 388, e080952. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2024-080952
[2]	Takakusaki, K. (2017). Functional Neuroanatomy for Posture and Gait Control. J Mov Disord, 10(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.14802/jmd.16062
[3]	Wenger, N., Vogt, A., Skrobot, M., et al. (2022). Rodent models for gait network disorders in Parkinson's disease - a translational perspective. Exp Neurol, 352, 114011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114011
[4]	Jankovic, J. and Tan, E. K. (2020). Parkinson's disease: etiopathogenesis and treatment. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 91(8), 795-808. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2019-322338
[5]	Simon, D. K., Tanner, C. M. and Brundin, P. (2020). Parkinson Disease Epidemiology, Pathology, Genetics, and Pathophysiology. Clin Geriatr Med, 36(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2019.08.002
[6]	He, N., Chen, Y., LeWitt, P. A., et al. (2023). Application of Neuromelanin MR Imaging in Parkinson Disease. J Magn Reson Imaging, 57(2), 337-352. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmri.28414
[7]	Ebrahimi-Fakhari, D., Cantuti-Castelvetri, I., Fan, Z., et al. (2011). Distinct roles in vivo for the ubiquitin-proteasome system and the autophagy-lysosomal pathway in the degradation of α-synuclein. J Neurosci, 31(41), 14508-14520. https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.1560-11.2011
[8]	Tan, E. K., Chao, Y. X., West, A., et al. (2020). Parkinson disease and the immune system - associations, mechanisms and therapeutics. Nat Rev Neurol, 16(6), 303-318. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-020-0344-4
[9]	Rouaud, T., Corbillé, A. G., Leclair-Visonneau, L., et al. (2021). Pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease: Mitochondria, alpha-synuclein and much more…. Rev Neurol (Paris), 177(3), 260-271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurol.2020.07.016
[10]	Zhang, Q., Duan, Q., Gao, Y., et al. (2023). Cerebral Microvascular Injury Induced by Lag3-Dependent α-Synuclein Fibril Endocytosis Exacerbates Cognitive Impairment in a Mouse Model of α-Synucleinopathies. Adv Sci (Weinh), 10(25), e2301903. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202301903
[11]	He, P., Shi, L., Li, Y., et al. (2023). The Association of the Glymphatic Function with Parkinson's Disease Symptoms: Neuroimaging Evidence from Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Studies. Ann Neurol, 94(4), 672-683. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.26729
[12]	Corti, O., Lesage, S. and Brice, A. (2011). What genetics tells us about the causes and mechanisms of Parkinson's disease. Physiol Rev, 91(4), 1161-1218. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00022.2010
[13]	Ferreira-Pinto, M. J., Ruder, L., Capelli, P., et al. (2018). Connecting Circuits for Supraspinal Control of Locomotion. Neuron, 100(2), 361-374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2018.09.015
[14]	Leiras, R., Cregg, J. M. and Kiehn, O. (2022). Brainstem Circuits for Locomotion. Annu Rev Neurosci, 45, 63-85. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-neuro-082321-025137
[15]	Di Maio, R., Hoffman, E. K., Rocha, E. M., et al. (2018). LRRK2 activation in idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Sci Transl Med, 10(451). https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.aar5429
[16]	Bloem, B. R., Okun, M. S. and Klein, C. (2021). Parkinson's disease. Lancet, 397(10291), 2284-2303. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00218-x
[17]	Galeoto, G., Berardi, A., Colalelli, F., et al. (2022). Correlation between Quality of Life and severity of Parkinson's Disease by assessing an optimal cut-off point on the Parkinson's Disease questionnaire (PDQ-39) as related to the Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) scale. Clin Ter, 173(3), 243-248. https://doi.org/10.7417/ct.2022.2427
[18]	Kim, R., Lee, J., Kim, H. J., et al. (2019). CSF β-amyloid(42) and risk of freezing of gait in early Parkinson disease. Neurology, 92(1), e40-e47. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0000000000006692
[19]	Wu, T., Hallett, M. and Chan, P. (2015). Motor automaticity in Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis, 82, 226-234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2015.06.014
[20]	Zhao, M., Bonassi, G., Samogin, J., et al. (2022). Frequency-dependent modulation of neural oscillations across the gait cycle. Hum Brain Mapp, 43(11), 3404-3415. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.25856
[21]	Rutz, D. G. and Benninger, D. H. (2020). Physical Therapy for Freezing of Gait and Gait Impairments in Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review. Pm r, 12(11), 1140-1156. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.12337
[22]	Leta, V., Klingelhoefer, L., Longardner, K., et al. (2023). Gastrointestinal barriers to levodopa transport and absorption in Parkinson's disease. Eur J Neurol, 30(5), 1465-1480. https://doi.org/10.1111/ene.15734
[23]	Hariz, M. and Blomstedt, P. (2022). Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. J Intern Med, 292(5), 764-778. https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.13541
[24]	Jiang, Y., Guo, Z., McClure, M. A., et al. (2020). Effect of rTMS on Parkinson's cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurol, 20(1), 377. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-020-01953-4
[25]	Chung, C. L., Mak, M. K. and Hallett, M. (2020). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Promotes Gait Training in Parkinson Disease. Ann Neurol, 88(5), 933-945. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.25881
[26]	Ellis, T. D., Colón-Semenza, C., DeAngelis, T. R., et al. (2021). Evidence for Early and Regular Physical Therapy and Exercise in Parkinson's Disease. Semin Neurol, 41(2), 189-205. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1725133

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Hao, Y., Fang, T., Song, Q., Zhang, L. (2025). Advances in Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease. International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 11(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Hao, Y.; Fang, T.; Song, Q.; Zhang, L. Advances in Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease. Int. J. Neurol. Phys. Ther. 2025, 11(1), 1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Hao Y, Fang T, Song Q, Zhang L. Advances in Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease. Int J Neurol Phys Ther. 2025;11(1):1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11,
  author = {Yaning Hao and Tianying Fang and Qingli Song and Lin Zhang},
  title = {Advances in Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease
},
  journal = {International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-5},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnpt.20251101.11},
  abstract = {Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, marked by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies. The depletion of dopamine in the striatum and the resulting imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitters lead to a gradual worsening of symptoms. These encompass both motor manifestations such as tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, as well as non-motor symptoms including sleep disorders, olfactory impairment, autonomic dysfunction, and cognitive or psychiatric disturbances. This review examines the pathogenesis, clinical progression, and therapeutic interventions for PD-related gait disturbances. The discussion focuses on potential mechanisms driving gait dysfunction, the evolution of symptoms across different disease stages, and current treatment options ranging from pharmacological to rehabilitative approaches. By integrating these perspectives, the article seeks to contribute novel insights into the diagnosis and management of PD, with the ultimate goal of improving patients’ functional mobility and overall quality of life. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing evidence and emerging strategies, it highlights opportunities to address unmet needs in PD care, emphasizing personalized and multidisciplinary solutions to optimize long-term outcomes for affected individuals.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Advances in Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease

AU  - Yaning Hao
AU  - Tianying Fang
AU  - Qingli Song
AU  - Lin Zhang
Y1  - 2025/04/17
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11
T2  - International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy
JF  - International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy
JO  - International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy
SP  - 1
EP  - 5
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1778
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11
AB  - Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, marked by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies. The depletion of dopamine in the striatum and the resulting imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitters lead to a gradual worsening of symptoms. These encompass both motor manifestations such as tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, as well as non-motor symptoms including sleep disorders, olfactory impairment, autonomic dysfunction, and cognitive or psychiatric disturbances. This review examines the pathogenesis, clinical progression, and therapeutic interventions for PD-related gait disturbances. The discussion focuses on potential mechanisms driving gait dysfunction, the evolution of symptoms across different disease stages, and current treatment options ranging from pharmacological to rehabilitative approaches. By integrating these perspectives, the article seeks to contribute novel insights into the diagnosis and management of PD, with the ultimate goal of improving patients’ functional mobility and overall quality of life. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing evidence and emerging strategies, it highlights opportunities to address unmet needs in PD care, emphasizing personalized and multidisciplinary solutions to optimize long-term outcomes for affected individuals.

VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Yaning Hao

Department of Clinical Medicine of 2nd Clinical Medical School, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
Tianying Fang

Department of Clinical Medicine of 2nd Clinical Medical School, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
Qingli Song

Department of Clinical Medicine of 2nd Clinical Medical School, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
Lin Zhang

Neurology, Biobank, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Xi'an, China

Contact Email

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Hao, Y., Fang, T., Song, Q., Zhang, L. (2025). Advances in Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease. International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 11(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Hao, Y.; Fang, T.; Song, Q.; Zhang, L. Advances in Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease. Int. J. Neurol. Phys. Ther. 2025, 11(1), 1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Hao Y, Fang T, Song Q, Zhang L. Advances in Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease. Int J Neurol Phys Ther. 2025;11(1):1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11,
  author = {Yaning Hao and Tianying Fang and Qingli Song and Lin Zhang},
  title = {Advances in Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease
},
  journal = {International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-5},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnpt.20251101.11},
  abstract = {Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, marked by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies. The depletion of dopamine in the striatum and the resulting imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitters lead to a gradual worsening of symptoms. These encompass both motor manifestations such as tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, as well as non-motor symptoms including sleep disorders, olfactory impairment, autonomic dysfunction, and cognitive or psychiatric disturbances. This review examines the pathogenesis, clinical progression, and therapeutic interventions for PD-related gait disturbances. The discussion focuses on potential mechanisms driving gait dysfunction, the evolution of symptoms across different disease stages, and current treatment options ranging from pharmacological to rehabilitative approaches. By integrating these perspectives, the article seeks to contribute novel insights into the diagnosis and management of PD, with the ultimate goal of improving patients’ functional mobility and overall quality of life. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing evidence and emerging strategies, it highlights opportunities to address unmet needs in PD care, emphasizing personalized and multidisciplinary solutions to optimize long-term outcomes for affected individuals.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Advances in Gait Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease

AU  - Yaning Hao
AU  - Tianying Fang
AU  - Qingli Song
AU  - Lin Zhang
Y1  - 2025/04/17
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11
T2  - International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy
JF  - International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy
JO  - International Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy
SP  - 1
EP  - 5
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1778
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnpt.20251101.11
AB  - Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, marked by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies. The depletion of dopamine in the striatum and the resulting imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitters lead to a gradual worsening of symptoms. These encompass both motor manifestations such as tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, as well as non-motor symptoms including sleep disorders, olfactory impairment, autonomic dysfunction, and cognitive or psychiatric disturbances. This review examines the pathogenesis, clinical progression, and therapeutic interventions for PD-related gait disturbances. The discussion focuses on potential mechanisms driving gait dysfunction, the evolution of symptoms across different disease stages, and current treatment options ranging from pharmacological to rehabilitative approaches. By integrating these perspectives, the article seeks to contribute novel insights into the diagnosis and management of PD, with the ultimate goal of improving patients’ functional mobility and overall quality of life. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing evidence and emerging strategies, it highlights opportunities to address unmet needs in PD care, emphasizing personalized and multidisciplinary solutions to optimize long-term outcomes for affected individuals.

VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download