Apraxia of gait is a motor disorder characterized by difficulty in walking, resulting from a loss of voluntary control of leg muscles. The spelling of this word, as per the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), is æpɹæksəəv geɪt. The first syllable is pronounced "ap" as in "apple", followed by "rahk" that rhymes with "back". The final syllable is pronounced like "see-uh" with an additional "uh" sound after it. The word "gait" can be pronounced as "gate" or "get" depending on the region.
Apraxia of gait is a neurological disorder characterized by the impairment of voluntary control over walking or the inability to initiate or execute the movements required for coordinated movement of the lower limbs during walking. It is a type of apraxia, which refers to the loss of ability to execute complex motor actions despite having intact sensory and motor functions.
Individuals with apraxia of gait may exhibit various symptoms, including difficulty initiating steps, unsteady or shuffling gait, freezing or hesitation while walking, and a lack of natural arm swing or coordination during walking. This condition is commonly associated with damage or dysfunction in the brain's premotor cortex, which plays a critical role in planning and controlling voluntary movements.
Apraxia of gait can be caused by several factors, including neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, or traumatic brain injury. The severity of apraxia of gait can vary, ranging from mild difficulties in executing specific walking movements to complete inability to walk without assistance.
Treatment for apraxia of gait typically involves physical therapy aimed at improving walking coordination and balance. Rehabilitation programs may include exercises to strengthen the lower limbs, gait training, and practicing specific walking patterns. In some cases, assistive devices such as canes or walkers may be used to enhance stability and mobility. Additionally, medications or other therapies aimed at managing the underlying neurological condition may be utilized in conjunction with physical therapy to optimize functional mobility.