Characterization of freezing of gait subtypes and the response of each to levodopa in Parkinson's disease

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1468-1331.2003.00611.x
• Publication Date: 2003-06-19T13:14:07Z
• Authors: J. D. Schaafsma; Y. Balash; T. Gurevich; A. L. Bartels; J. M. Hausdorff; N. Giladi
• Keywords: Male; Leg; Time Factors; Reproducibility of Results; Videotape Recording; Middle Aged; 3. Good health; Antiparkinson Agents; Levodopa; Motion; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Parkinsonian Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; Prevalence; Humans; Regression Analysis; Female; Gait Disorders, Neurologic; Psychomotor Performance; Aged

To assess the effect of levodopa on distinct freezing gait (FOG) subtypes in patients with ‘off’ FOG. Nineteen (12 men, mean age 62.0 ± 8.4 years) Parkinson's disease and clinically significant FOG during states were videotaped whilst walking 130 m ‘on’ states. Three independent observers characterized type, duration, clinical manifestations quantified by analyzing videotapes. Their combined scores used for statistical analysis. The intra‐class correlation coefficient assessed inter‐observer reliability. Wilcoxon Friedman tests evaluated differences frequencies characteristics. During states, was elicited turns (63%), starts (23%), through narrow spaces (12%) reaching destinations (9%). These respective values only 14, 4, 2 1% ( P < 0.011). Moving forward very small steps leg trembling place most common FOG; total akinesia rare. Most episodes took <10 s tended to be shorter Levodopa significantly decreased frequency 0.0001) number 0.001). Distinction amongst enables evaluation distinctive therapeutic response. helps reducing duration ‘off’‐related