Gait mystery

[StRose]

Have MS 20 years now. Balance problems (of course). But I have just made an interesting discovery. When I hold a 16 ounce bottle of water in my right hand while walking, my gait is dramatically improved. Anybody else have similar experience. Have your Dr.s talked to you about that?

[rjoneslaw]

Do u have issues with ur right side?

I have held things including water in my right hand hung a bag on my shoulder but m y gait has never improved .

It has has improved because of pt but I’m still

[RoyceNewton]

I will watch more clearly, similar theory to a weighted vest I think

[greaterexp]

Ballast! Cool idea!

[falalalala in reply to greaterexp]

That's what it sounds like to me

[twooldcrows]

have to watch and see if there is a difference,,,,wow...interesting ...

[RoseySawyer]

🤔 Interesting. ♥️🌹

[StRose]

I have no idea why it happens. Let me know if it makes any difference for you.

[goatgal]

You have keen observation skills. Years ago, I noticed a similar phenomenon with me. My gait improves when I am carrying something or walking one of my dogs on leash. I also read somewhere that researchers found that gait improved in MS folks when they walked dogs on leash (so I know this is not imaginary or wishful thinking). I asked my PT about this one day when we were playing catch with a big ball and I was amazed by how my balance was improved by focusing on catching the ball, not moving my feet. He said that balance/gait improves when the brain is receiving additional reference points for that internal (wonky and erratic) gyroscope.

[StRose in reply to goatgal]

Thanks! It's comforting to know it does occur with other people & not just my imagination. Wish there was a study on this. I would definitely volunteer to participate.

[pamgarner]

I think it is all related to wall hugging,just touching a wall improves your balance and gait,maybe just holding on to things for some people helps with balance.they need to do a study.I will try the water trick

[leapsnbounds in reply to pamgarner]

I totally agree. When I touch a wall or railing my balance is so much better compared to my cane. There is a higher risk for me to fall with my cane compared to a wall or railing. I always had wondered if others had the same experience. Thank you for that post.

[StRose]

It's amazing how the brain reacts to a seemingly inconsequential thing like touching a wall to improve balance. I noted that as well. My husband put railings in a hallway in our house a decade ago. They served decorative purposes for years, but now by merely touching them while walking down the hall, my balance is really improved.

[IFwczs]

There is a difference between wall walking and touching the wall. Wall walking is not safe because of our foot drop.

[livewell2]

Interesting. Maybe a weighted vest will help you.....

[StRose]

I googled weighted vests & see there are many from which to choose. Do you know if a weighted vest can be adjusted to one's needs? For example, a larger weight on one side than the other?

[livewell2 in reply to StRose]

Yes. I don’t use one myself, but did read that you can weight one side heavier than the other. Left- right side, front and back.

[Hidden]

VERY interesting! I’ll have to try this water bottle walking! My balance is quite bad and I couldn’t go more than a few minutes before getting really weak from trying to keep my balance and not fall. Even with a cane it’s very hard to walk any distance. But I wanted to continue walking my dogs - NOT on leash because that was worse - so I got a pair of trekking poles for $28 bucks on Amazon. It makes a huge difference! They help me stand up nice and straight and absolute no balance issues at all. I can really cruise along as long as I have “my sticks”. The dogs get all excited when I take them out.

[hairbrain4]

That is interesting. It's amazing how we can trick the brain into doing something it doesn't think it can!

[Reneeblessed]

I discovered that holding something improved my gait and balance. I can go out without a cane often because I hold my purse strap, cellphone, cart, or someone's hand.

Listening to music and walking with my dog daily improved my ability to walk unassisted. prior I needed a cane or rollator.

[StRose in reply to Reneeblessed]

Thanks for the reminder about music. It can be great for both body & soul. I plan to listen while walking tomorrow.

[Blue000]

Interesting. I’m definitely going to try it. I always leave my hands free when walking so I can use them to break a potential fall.

[kycmary]

I have noticed my gait improves when I have a certain destination in mind when I'm walking.

[tombouy46]

Strose. Do you find yourself always falling to you left. I was diag many many yrs ago. Back in 80s. Did great for many yrs. Then kaboom. Ive been dealing with balancing problems for a couple of yrs anyways. But have gotten so much worse. I'm constantly falling into things. I'm getting to be a pro when I fall down as far as the landing. I'm curious. do you or anyone else find that darkness makes balance 100 worse. If I'm in my kitchen and turn out the light. As soon as I try to walk I start wabbleing back and forth. Till I grab ahold of something. I cant drive at nite anymore. My eyes play tricks on me. I actually gave up driving awhile back. But kept my license for when I need to go shopping locally in the day. I was lost not driving.

Tom

[2littletime]

Never heard this...I'm 20 years in too & can't go anywhere alone. (Afraid of falling) I'm going to give this a try. Thanks for the post.😊

[JTZES]

I don't know if anyone recalls the TV show Monk but I feel like him to some extent. He would touch everything due to an oppressive compulsive disorder in the show. I have found that touching something stable for a couple of seconds helps stabilize me for a short period of time and then I have to do it again and again. It's enough to get me through Walgreens when picking up my med's. Without doing that I would go down.

When I go down it's due too dizziness and a cane is pointless due to that fact. So I believe that the wall touch or railing is a valid example of it helping when you need it.

[StRose in reply to JTZES]

I totally agree! Is it a "psychological cane" or some adjustment the brain relies on?

[CraigS]

I’m curious to see what happens with beer. 🍺

[StRose in reply to CraigS]

Haha!