To Prevent Parkinson’s Falls, Try This Lateral Walk Technique

When it comes to falls, everyone wants to avoid them at all costs. Sideways, or lateral, falls are very common with Parkinson’s. People get their feet tangled up or they step on their own foot. You may not be aware your feet are getting closer and closer to each other until you have a fall. This is a PD pattern, and it must be corrected at every chance.

With intentional footing and lots of practice, you can minimize these dangerous lateral falls. We are sticklers for form in our virtual and gym classes, and we will make sure you are using the correct technique. It’s extremely important.

The lateral walk technique is a simple and effective exercise for preventing falls. Watch this helpful video to learn how to do it:

Here are the instructions for the lateral walk technique:

• Using ground markers or an agility ladder, stand sideways with your feet six to eight inches apart.
• Take a big step to the side and then follow with the other foot, making sure to maintain that six to eight inches between your feet.

• This may be hard at first! Your brain may trick you into thinking you are stepping wide because the default for the second foot is to snap in close. If you have been walking tightly for years, this will be a difficult pattern to break.

• When you are walking sideways, make sure your toes are pointed forward (like skis). It’s not uncommon to point your toes in the direction you are walking—even if your trunk is facing forward, your hips may be turned.

These are all helpful hints we use in our training center to reprogram falling patterns. Practice being an intentional stepper!  

💜 Coach Kimberly