The Effect of Backward Walking Training on Balance, Gait and Functional Mobility in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

The Effect of Backward Walking Training on Balance, Gait and Functional Mobility in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Backward walking training can be a useful treatment approach, providing novel balance and gait challenges. It can lead to improve balance, gait and functional mobility in neurologic populations. However, the effect of backward walking training has net been investigated in people with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Patients with multiple sclerosis have problems in balance, gait, and functional mobility. This problems can lead to falls, injuries, hospitalization, limited daily living activities, and decreased quality of life. Backward walking is a popular training approach to improve balance, gait, and functional mobility in other neurological disease such as stroke, and Parkinson's disease. Moreover, backward walking performance decreases in multiple sclerosis. However, no study has been performed to determine the effectiveness of backward walking training in multiple sclerosis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of backward walking training on balance, gait, and functional mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• at least 18 years,
• neurologist-diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis,
• Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 0 and 5.5,
• no MS exacerbation within the last 3 months,
• use of stable medication in the last 3 months,
• not received immunomodulator treatment within the last 6 months,

Exclusion Criteria:

• other neurologic disorder,
• Pregnancy,
• Cardiovascular, orthopedic, or systemic any disease hindering the participation of exercise program