Gait impairments such as slow speed, small steps, and high variability from step to step are common in people with Parkinson's disease, and these changes begin to occur early in the course of disease. Freezing of gait may develop later for some individuals, and it has been linked to falls and other adverse outcomes. When the quality of walking declines, it can lead to a reduction in the quantity of walking and overall physical activity, which is also related to poorer health outcomes. To prevent this cascade of events, Dr. Gammon Earhart is developing and evaluating interventions to improve gait and increase physical activity in People with Parkinson's disease. In this episode, she discusses how she and collaborators are conducting studies on different approaches, including a mobile health application, self-generated rhythmic cues in the form of singing, and mindfulness training, to improve aspects of walking and physical activity in people with Parkinson's disease. Gammon is Professor of Physical Therapy, Neurology, and Neuroscience, Associate Dean for Physical Therapy, and Director of the Program in Physical Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

This podcast is geared toward researchers and clinicians. If you live with Parkinson’s or have a friend or family member with PD, listen to The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast. Hear from scientists, doctors and people with Parkinson's on different aspects of life with the disease as well as research toward treatment breakthroughs at https://www.michaeljfox.org/podcasts.