## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Understanding Parkinson's](/understanding-parkinsons)
- [Movement Symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms)
 
  ## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Understanding Parkinson's](/understanding-parkinsons)
- [Movement Symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms)
 
 #  Bradykinesia (Slowness of Movement) 

 

   

  ## 💡 Quick Summary 

 - Bradykinesia is slowness of movement and a key symptom of Parkinson’s.

- Affects daily tasks like buttoning shirts or brushing teeth.

- Medications such as [levodopa](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications/levodopa "Levodopa"), dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and amantadine help manage slowness and [“off” periods](/library/fact-sheets/managing-off-time "Managing "Off" Time in Parkinson's").

- [Exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") and therapies like music therapy can improve movement, reduce bradykinesia and support overall Parkinson’s well-being.

 

   ![Man walking on paved path between two areas with grass and plants](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/bradykinesia.jpg?itok=1UdB4Q4g)  **Bradykinesia** means slowness of movement and speed (or progressive hesitations/halts) as movements are continued. It is one of the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). You must have bradykinesia plus at least either tremor or rigidity for a Parkinson’s diagnosis to be considered.

In Parkinson’s, this slowness happens in different ways:

- Reduction of automatic movements (such as blinking or swinging your arms when you walk)
- Difficulty initiating movements (like standing out of a chair)
- General slowness in physical actions
- The appearance of abnormal stillness or a decrease in facial expression

This translates into difficulty performing everyday functions, such as buttoning a shirt, cutting food or brushing your teeth.

Bradykinesia can be particularly frustrating because it is often unpredictable. One moment you can move easily, while in the next moment you may need help.

## Managing Slowness of Movement

[**Levodopa**](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications/levodopa "Levodopa") is the medication most commonly given to control the movement symptoms of Parkinson’s. [**Dopamine agonists**](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications/dopamine-antagonists "Dopamine Agonists"), [**MAO-B (monoamine oxidase type B) inhibitors**](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications/mao-b-inhibitors "MAO-B Inhibitors"), and [**amantadine**](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications/amantadine "Amantadine") can also be used alone or in combination with other medications to improve slowness, as well as stiffness and tremor.

If you experience [**“off” periods**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StvzwQnmi3g&list=PLDGRDRM479GsNdWaz4GkJQGeOaN36pYw3) (changes in your ability to move, usually related to medication timing) when bradykinesia and other symptoms are worse, adjusting the dose or schedule of your medication could help. Talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medications.

In addition to medications, [**exercise**](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") should be part of your treatment plan for all Parkinson’s symptoms. Staying active is an essential element of living well with PD.

Research also suggests that [**music therapy**](/library/podcast/42 "Episode 42: The Benefits of Music Therapy for Parkinson's") can reduce bradykinesia and other Parkinson's symptoms.

*Page reviewed by Dr. Jun Yu, Movement Disorders Fellow at the University of Florida, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence.*

  ##  Related Materials 

   Podcasts 

###  [ Episode 90: Movement Strategies: Mobility, Falls & Freezing of Gait ](/library/podcast/90) 



 [Listen Now](/library/podcast/90)

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ Medications for Movement Symptoms ](/library/fact-sheets/medications-movement-symptoms) 



 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/medications-movement-symptoms)

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ Parkinson's Exercise Recommendations ](/library/fact-sheets/exercise-recommendations) 



 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/exercise-recommendations)

  

  ##  Related Blog Posts 

   ![Elderly couple enjoying coffee together at home](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/practical-pointers-blog-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=w7X3P7DS)  

 Raise Awareness 

###  [ Six Tips for Managing Daily Life with Advancing Parkinson’s ](/blog/awareness/managing-daily-life) 

 

  READ NOW  

 ![Seniors stretching outdoors](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/eb-1-motor-symptoms-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=by9QZn--)  

 Raise Awareness 

###  [ Tremor, Shakes & Everything in Between: Tackling Parkinson's Motor Symptoms ](/blog/awareness/tackling-motor-symptoms) 

 

  READ NOW  

 ![gait and balance blog preview.](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/gait%20and%20balance%20blog%20preview_1.png?h=9105c3fe&itok=Cidve2m2)  

 Raise Awareness 

###  [ Finding Balance: Steps to Move Safely and Minimize Falls with Parkinson’s ](/blog/awareness/finding-balance) 

 

  READ NOW  

 

  

 ###  Order a Parkinson’s Hospital Safety Guide 

 The Hospital Safety Guide is a resource for people with Parkinson's and their care partners filled with useful tools and information to prepare for and navigate a hospital stay.

 [ORDER NOW](/resources-support/pd-library/order-publications) 

 [LEARN MORE](/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide) 

 

 

 

  - Share on Facebook
- Share on X
- Share on LinkedIn