November 12, 2025 by
Dad shuffles a little when he walks, his steps uneven, his balance sometimes shaky. It’s all part and parcel of Parkinson’s disease. But research is revealing a surprising new tool that can help with Parkinson’s walking challenges. And it’s so simple, it can literally be used anywhere, any time.
“Mental singing,” silently singing or humming a tune in your head, can have a powerful effect on gait for people with Parkinson’s disease. By tapping into the rhythm of music, walking becomes smoother, more natural, and less unpredictable.
Why Walking Becomes Difficult with Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system, and one of its hallmark challenges is gait disturbance. Steps may become shorter, walking pace slows, and there’s often an increased risk of freezing mid-stride or losing balance. This happens because Parkinson’s disrupts the brain’s ability to coordinate movement and timing.
Traditional therapies, like physical exercise and external cues (such as a metronome or rhythmic music), have long been used to help. But the discovery that internal cues, like silently singing a tune, can be just as effective is encouraging. It means that the rhythm for steadier walking may already be “built in.”
What the Research Found
A team of neuroscience and physical therapy researchers at Washington University studied adults over age 50, both with and without Parkinson’s. Participants walked in three ways: with no music, with external music, and with “mental singing.”
Here’s what they found:
- Everyone naturally adjusted their walking pace to match the rhythm of the music or mental singing.
- Mental singing created the most stable walking pattern, reducing irregular steps and improving overall balance.
- The effect was even stronger when people matched the tempo of their singing to their natural walking rhythm.
As lead researcher Dr. Gammon Earhart explained, “Matching movement to one’s own voice improves gait characteristics while reducing gait variability for older adults and people with Parkinson’s disease.”
Why Mental Singing Works
Think of it this way: when you sing or hum a tune in your head, your body almost can’t help but move to that rhythm. It’s why your foot taps along to the beat of a song you like.
For people with Parkinson’s, this internal beat acts like a personal metronome. Unlike external music, which might not always be available, mental singing can be done at a moment’s notice— on a walk through the park, in the grocery store, or even at home moving from room to room.
And because it’s a familiar tune, it also connects to memory and emotion, bringing joy along with stability.
How to Start Tapping Into the Benefits of Mental Singing
If someone you love has Parkinson’s, here are simple ways to weave this tool into daily life:
- Choose familiar songs. Old favorites work best, ones with steady rhythms that are easy to follow. Think hymns, lullabies, or classic hits.
- Set the pace. Encourage them to mentally sing at the tempo of their natural walking rhythm. Too fast or too slow may throw steps off.
- Use it on the go. Mental singing doesn’t require equipment. It’s always accessible.
- Make it fun. Try humming together or turning it into a “walking duet” where each person hums their own tune while strolling side by side.
Not only does this strategy help with mobility, but it also transforms walking into something joyful instead of stressful.
Let’s Walk This Journey Together
Living with Parkinson’s comes with daily challenges, but discoveries like this remind us that sometimes the simplest solutions, like humming a tune, can have a dramatic effect. At Home Independent Living is here to help those with Parkinson’s maintain dignity, comfort, and joy in everyday life. We support safe mobility, engaging activities, and meaningful companionship.
If you’re caring for someone with Parkinson’s, call us at (315) 579-HOME (4663). We’re here to support families in Syracuse, Fayetteville, Salina, and throughout Central New York, helping each step feel a little more secure.