Parkinson's disease: how to regain your independence

National Parkinson's Day, celebrated each year on Nov. 30, aims to raise more and more people's awareness of the importance of early detection of the disease.

Among the many topics discussed on this day, movement plays a central role, as it represents one of the most significant challenges for those living with the disease.

Difficulty in walking, whether due to fear of falling or freezing episodes, negatively affects quality of life. Regaining freedom of movement, in and out of the home, is essential for enjoying favorite activities and preserving overall well-being.

Fortunately, there are several techniques and therapies that can help overcome gait problems, restoring confidence and greater independence to patients.

The impact of freezing on quality of life.

Freezing of walking, which is a type of motor blockage, is among the most disabling symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It occurs suddenly, at the onset of movement as well as during walking, and makes it impossible to move despite the desire to walk.

This phenomenon is caused by complex brain mechanisms that can be triggered even when other symptoms are well controlled by drug therapy.

Recent studies have shown that freezing episodes, of short duration in the early stages of the disease, increase significantly in the advanced stages, reaching durations of several seconds or minutes. As the frequency of freezing increases, there is also an increase in postural instability, greater risk of falls and, in severe cases, the need for a wheelchair.

This condition impairs participation in social and family activities and reduces the autonomy of Parkinson's patients with a negative impact on their overall health. In fact, significant correlations have been found between the severity of motor block episodes and other non-motor disorders, such as cognitive impairment, pain, emotional distress, and sleep problems.

In the face of these difficulties, strategies and arrangements that can improve the overall condition of patients and caregivers become increasingly important and vital.

Practical tips for overcoming gear freezing.

Useful measures for overcoming walking freezing include the use of external sensory cues, such as visual or auditory clues, to help reestablish smooth walking.

For example, visualizing an object on the floor and imagining stepping over it or following a musical rhythm, perhaps humming a melody and synchronizing your steps, can be good aids to start walking again after a freezing episode.

These simple tips, also recommended by Boston University's National Rehabilitation Resource Center, are an easy strategy to implement at the most critical times.

However, to more consistently improve walking confidence and fluidity, targeted interventions combining drug therapies, physiotherapy, and advanced technologies are needed.

A novel approach: peripheral AMPS stimulation.

Parkinson's disease is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease globally, and freezing is caused by reduced dopamine transmission in the brain areas devoted to motor control.

In recent years, Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation (AMPS) has emerged as a cutting-edge treatment option for improving motor difficulties precisely because of its approach that aims to get to the heart of the problem by reducing the symptoms caused by neurological disorders.

Gondola AMPS therapy, tailored to the needs of the Parkinson's patient, works by sending sensory stimuli to the brain from specific points on the foot. These inputs increase functional connectivity in motor areas and allow for immediate benefits, restoring quickness and stability in movement.

Scientific evidence to support therapy.

Automated mechanical peripheral stimulation (AMPS) has been the subject of scientific studies demonstrating its effectiveness for several years.

Back in 2015, researcher Dr. Kleiner highlighted how this technology reduced gait variability in Parkinson's disease patients subject to freezing episodes, confirming its potential as an adjunctive therapy for movement abnormalities.

More recently, a 2022 study by Professor Marques found that AMPS improves certain biomechanical parameters of gait, such as hip rotation and muscle activation.

These results indicate that treatment with Gondola AMPS can significantly advance stability and stride length, contributing to a positive change in overall mobility and function.

Immediate benefits and convenience of treatment.

By stimulating the areas of the brain that tend to freeze during freezing, the therapy delivered by the Gondola AMPS device makes it possible to observe, even after just one session, an improvement in the patient's movement control and balance.

Each session lasts just over 90 seconds, is noninvasive and can be done easily at home, allowing you to walk in the company of your loved ones and in total peace of mind.

By using the Gondola device regularly, once or twice a week, long-term benefits can be maintained by counteracting freezing during the course of the disease.

Every therapy, expedient, or strategy that helps Parkinson's patients regain autonomy and independence helps improve their quality of life and restore confidence in the future.