Behavioral analysis of the freezing phenomenon in Parkinson's disease: a case study

The "freezing" phenomenon was examined in a 77 yr old male patient suffering from Parkinsons's disease (PD). Motor blocks occurred several times a day, mainly affected walking and lasted mostly between 2 and 5 min. Behavioral analysis showed that freezing was elicited and intensified not only by external factors (limited space and room to move), but also by negative cognitions, negative emotions and tension. The most effective behavior to overcome freezing was a combination of relaxation and loud rhythmic counting. Effectiveness in overcoming freezing correlated positively with self-rated mobility before trials. Relaxation training improved self-rated mobility. It is suggested that relaxation training and cognitive techniques should be used to reduce tension, negative thoughts and negative emotions contributing to freezing and to improve the ability to cope with freezing. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.