What symptom is characterized by a shuffling gait and difficulty initiating movement in Parkinson's Disease?

Bradykinesia is a core symptom of Parkinson's Disease characterized by the gradual slowing down of movement and a noticeable difficulty in initiating motion. Patients often experience a shuffling gait, which reflects the difficulty in starting and continuing movements smoothly. This symptom can manifest in various ways, such as hesitancy when beginning to walk or a reduced range of motion in the arms while walking, contributing to the shuffling appearance.

In Parkinson’s Disease, bradykinesia affects overall motor performance, leading individuals to take smaller, less coordinated steps. It can result in a "freezing" phenomenon where the person feels as if their feet are glued to the ground, making it challenging to initiate any form of movement, including walking. Understanding bradykinesia is crucial for recognizing the motor impairment in patients with Parkinson's Disease, as it significantly impacts their mobility and quality of life.