Which gait is described as slow to start, with short steps, and reduced arm swing?

• A. Steppage gait
• B. Parkinsonian gait
• C. Cerebellar ataxia
• D. Sensory ataxia

Answer: (B)

Parkinsonian gait arises from bradykinesia and rigidity, which slow the initiation of movement and produce small, shuffling steps. Because initiating steps is difficult, it starts slowly; once moving, steps become short and the arms swing less than normal, giving that characteristic reduced arm swing. This combination is the hallmark of parkinsonism-related gait.

In contrast, steppage gait involves foot drop with high stepping and foot slapping; cerebellar ataxia presents with a wide, unsteady, irregular gait; and sensory ataxia shows instability with proprioceptive loss, often a wide-based gait with positive Romberg.