What Is Festinating Gait?

Festinating gait or festination – A quickening and shortening of normal strides characterize festinating gait. While the steps are quicker, the stride is shorter, causing this to be a very inefficient gait, which can be frustrating and tiring for the person experiencing it.

What is the meaning of Festination?

festination. / (ˌfɛstɪˈneɪʃən) / noun. an involuntary quickening of gait, as in some persons with Parkinson's disease.

What causes festinating gait?

The stooped posture which is typical of Parkinson's disease causes the center of gravity to move away from the center of mass, resulting in a gait where the upper body is propelling forward movement and the feet have to move quickly to catch up. These small, short, quickening steps are known as festinating gait.