Your Footprint may flag Parkinsons

A comprehensive review published in NPJ Parkinson's Disease (PubMed, June 2026) highlights how plantar pressure analysis — measuring the way your feet load the ground as you walk — is emerging as a powerful, objective tool for the early detection and ongoing monitoring of Parkinson's disease.

The authors argue that AI-driven analysis of these foot-pressure patterns could move diagnosis beyond subjective clinical assessment, offering earlier, more personalised insights into a condition where gait changes are among the first signs.

Our take: Gait analysis can reveal far more than how someone walks. In some cases, it can highlight signs of altered neurological function.

One important example is **postural sway analysis**, which assesses how much a person moves while standing still. Good balance depends heavily on proprioception — the body’s ability to sense position and movement. When proprioception is impaired, as can happen with certain neurological conditions, balance may become less stable and sway can increase.

At the London Podiatry Centre, we assess gait, balance and lower-limb function in detail. We see patients with known neurological conditions, but we have also identified previously undiagnosed neurological problems when abnormal gait findings are considered alongside neurological examination and a detailed medical assessment.

This does not mean that gait analysis alone diagnoses neurological disease. However, it can provide important clues. When combined with clinical experience and appropriate neurological assessment, it can help guide further investigation and treatment.

We also work closely with consultant neurologists when specialist input is required, helping patients access joined-up care and a clearer diagnosis.

Whether you are concerned that you may have a neurological problem, or you already have a diagnosis and want help improving walking, stability and confidence, the London Podiatry Centre can help assess, treat and monitor your condition.

About the authors
Mr Ron McCulloch — Consultant Podiatric Surgeon, Centre Director, and specialist in clinical biomechanics, gait analysis and Morton's neuroma.
Dr Andrew Collinson — PhD in clinical biomechanics.

Source: PubMed · https://londonpodiatry.com/en/specialities/Gait-biomechanics/