Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, particularly the part of the brain responsible for controlling movement.
The most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and impaired balance and coordination. In addition to these motor symptoms, Parkinson's disease can also cause non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and sleep disorders. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life for patients. These treatments may include medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.     

Tremors: shaking or trembling of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head, especially when the body is at rest.
Bradykinesia: slowness of movement, which can make simple tasks such as walking or getting dressed more difficult. Rigidity: stiffness and inflexibility of the limbs and joints, which can cause muscle pain and make movements more difficult. Postural instability: difficulty maintaining balance, which can lead to falls. Impaired coordination: difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning clothes. Changes in speech and writing: a softer, slower, or monotone voice, and handwriting that becomes smaller and more cramped. Non-motor symptoms: depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disorders, and cognitive impairment. It's important to note that not all Parkinson's disease patients will experience all of these symptoms, and the progression of the disease can vary from person to person.

Reduced stride length: Parkinson's disease can cause a decrease in the length of a person's steps, leading to a shuffling gait. Slower gait speed: Parkinson's disease can also slow down a person's walking speed, making it take longer to cover the same distance. Impaired balance: Parkinson's disease can make it difficult to maintain balance while walking, increasing the risk of falls. Difficulty initiating movement: Parkinson's disease can cause difficulty initiating movement, which can make it challenging to start walking. Freezing of gait: Parkinson's disease can also cause sudden and brief episodes of freezing in which a person's feet feel glued to the ground, making it difficult to take steps. Gait abnormalities in Parkinson's disease can worsen over time and affect a person's ability to carry out activities of daily living. Gait analysis can help clinicians to quantify these changes and monitor disease progression.

Gait analysis can provide several benefits for Parkinson's disease patients including:
Objective measurement of gait abnormalities: Gait analysis can objectively measure changes in gait that may not be apparent to the patient or their clinician. Early detection of gait abnormalities: Gait analysis can detect changes in gait early, before they become severe and affect a person's ability to carry out daily activities. Customized treatment plans: Gait analysis can help clinicians develop individualized treatment plans for patients based on their specific gait abnormalities. Monitoring of disease progression: Gait analysis can help monitor disease progression over time and adjust treatment plans as needed. Improved quality of life: By identifying and addressing gait abnormalities, gait analysis can improve a person's ability to walk and carry out daily activities, leading to an improved quality of life. Overall, gait analysis can be a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of Parkinson's disease, helping to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients.