What is the term for the arm movements that often accompany walking in individuals with Parkinson's disease?

The term for the arm movements that often accompany walking in individuals with Parkinson's disease is "arm swing." In healthy individuals, arm swing is a natural and automatic movement that occurs during walking, helping to maintain balance and coordinate the body’s movements. However, in individuals with Parkinson's disease, this arm swing may be reduced or absent due to rigidity and bradykinesia—common symptoms associated with the condition.

The presence of an arm swing typically serves as a cue for gait initiation and helps in stabilizing posture while walking. Understanding this aspect of gait can be critical for physical therapy interventions aimed at improving mobility and reducing fall risk in patients experiencing these symptoms. The other terms provided, such as cognitive movement, cardinal movements, and coordinated movements, do not specifically refer to the arm movements during walking and thus are less applicable in this context.