Step interrupted

Recognizing and Understanding
Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease

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Freezing of Gait

“Freezing of gait” can stop a person in their tracks – literally.

Step Interrupted brings that moment into focus. The instant when movement falters and time seems to slow. Through real patient footage and expert narration, the seven-part series captures the subtle shifts before, during and after a freezing episode. For patients, caregivers and clinicians alike, Step Interrupted aims to help to transform a clinical symptom into something better seen and understood.

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About

About the Series.

Created by Ingrid Pretzer-Aboff, Ph.D., a nurse scientist focused on improving quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, and Leslie Cloud, M.D., a neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s care and research, the project shows, perhaps for the first time, what freezing of gait truly looks like with expert insight and commentary.

In many ways, Step Interrupted brings research to life with real patient experiences through a first-of-its-kind visual lens. Think of it as a play-by-play of critical moments — a window into freezing of gait, guided by experts who narrate what’s unfolding and why.

Why?

Why It Matters.

Freezing of gait (FoG) is one of Parkinson’s most complex and disabling motor symptoms. It increases fall risk, complicates rehabilitation and can limit independence — yet it often remains misunderstood, even among experienced clinicians.

By making these episodes visible and understandable, Step Interrupted equips patients, families, and health professionals with tools to improve awareness, recognition, promote safety and foster more informed, supportive care across all settings.

The Series

Explore the Videos.

Watch how a simple turn can trigger a freeze and what balance shifts reveal about motor control.

Counting, talking, or thinking while walking can unexpectedly cause a freeze. See how multitasking adds complexity.

Doorways, hallways and tight spaces can suddenly interrupt forward movement.

Reaching for an object or finishing a task can spark freezing just as the goal is in sight.

When urgency rises — a phone rings, an elevator door closes — freezing can appear without warning.

Even on open ground, freezing may occur. These clips illustrate its unpredictable nature.

See individuals use marching, wide turns, and other adaptive techniques to “break” or prevent a freeze.

The Team

Meet the Experts.

Ingrid Pretzer-Aboff
Ph.D., RN, FGSA, FAAN

Researcher | Innovator | Nurse Scientist
Dr. Pretzer-Aboff’s work centers on non-medical interventions to improve movement and quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Her research on wearable vibration devices has opened new possibilities for addressing freezing of gait, one of the condition’s most challenging symptoms. A fellow of both the Gerontological Society of America and the American Academy of Nursing, Pretzer-Aboff earned her Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Maryland and continues to collaborate nationally on advancing accessible, patient-centered care.

Leslie Cloud
M.D., MSc

Neurologist | Professor | Director, Parkinson’s Disease Program, VCU Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center
Leslie Cloud is a neurologist and researcher specializing in Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders. She directs the Parkinson’s Disease Program at Virginia Commonwealth University and holds the Rogliano Family Endowed Chair. Her research explores new therapies for motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and ways to improve quality of life for patients and caregivers. Cloud earned her M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia.

How to Use This Resource

Step Interrupted was created to be shared — in homes, clinics, classrooms and community settings — wherever people are learning about or living with Parkinson’s disease.

  • Patients and caregivers can use these short videos to recognize what triggers freezing and anticipate moments when support may be most needed
  • Clinicians and care teams may find them valuable for teaching observation, communication and empathy, all skills as essential as clinical reasoning
  • Educators and advocates can incorporate the series into lessons or discussions that build awareness and deepen understanding

However you use it, Step Interrupted is meant to start conversations — all to help people see what’s happening, talk about what it means and find new ways to respond with confidence and compassion.

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Thanks

Acknowledgement

Step Interrupted was created with gratitude for the Parkinson’s community. All participants generously consented to share their experiences to help others learn. While this video series is not intended to serve as a highly scientific resource for researchers, it is designed to provide practical, real-world information regarding freezing of gait in various situations.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the patients who shared their personal experiences to make this project possible.

We would like to recognize the following individuals for their vital contributions to the development and filming of this series:

  • Ginamari Blackwell, Clinical Research Associate for the VCU Department of Neurology, Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Center (PMDC).
  • John Karlsen, who served as a Research Assistant with the VCU School of Nursing during production and has since transitioned to his career as a Registered Nurse (RN).
  • Michael Martis, who served as a Research Assistant with the VCU School of Nursing during production and continues his work there on subsequent research projects.

The research project associated with these videos was supported by a generous grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Resources

Additional Resources

There are many resources available for people living with Parkinson’s disease and for their caregiver. We also encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider for referrals to local resources, support groups, and therapists

The Parkinson’s Foundation

The Parkinson’s Foundation offers a helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO for information and referrals. They provide extensive guides, fact sheets, and educational materials, as well as online community groups called “PD Conversations.” The foundation also offers practical tool kits, such as the “Hospital Safety Guide.”

Visit the Parkinson’s Foundation

American Parkinson Disease Association

The American Parkinson Disease Association maintains a national network of local chapters, support groups, and exercise programs. They provide specialized resources for care partners, those with early-onset Parkinson’s, and veterans.

Explore the American Parkinson Disease Association

Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s

The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s features the “Live Well Today” webinar series and allows you to connect with “Ambassadors” who have Parkinson’s and are trained to offer support. They host monthly Zoom meetups for people living with Parkinson’s disease and separate ones for care partners. The foundation also provides resources on exercise, mental health, nutrition, and wellness.

Connect with the David Phinney Foundation

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The Archives publishes original, peer-reviewed research for an interdisciplinary audience. This highly-cited journal focuses on advancing the science of rehabilitation to improve the health and quality of life for individuals with chronic illness and disabilities. It provides authoritative information on new trends and developments for physicians, therapists, and other rehabilitation professionals

Access the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is one of the leading organizations support Parkinson’s research and education. It provides comprehensive information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and emerging research, including “Ask the MD” videos and articles. The foundation also runs the Parkinson’s Buddy network, a place for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners to connect.

Learn from the Michael J. Fox Foundation

Start the Conversation.