Exeter study reveals balance rather than rigid turning affects movement in Parkinson's

Turning around on the spot seems effortless, but it requires precise body coordination. For years, scientists believed people with Parkinson's turned rigidly like a solid statue, moving the head and body together in one block, and that this stiffness triggered freezing when the feet feel stuck. A study from the University of Exeter challenges this view. Researchers used motion sensors to track forty-six adults completing full 360-degree turns. They compared people with Parkinson's who experience freezing, those who do not, and healthy older adults. The findings showed that people with Parkinson's do not turn in a more rigid block than anyone else of their age. The real difference lies in step-to-step coordination and balance. Those prone to freezing showed more uneven movement between the head and hips, which linked directly to balance difficulties rather than turning mechanics. They also took more short steps to finish the circle. Taking more steps is not a movement mistake. It is a clever, protective adjustment by the body to maintain stability and prevent falls. Focusing rehabilitation on overall balance rather than forced turning posture could offer the most practical support for staying steady on your feet.