Objective: To examine the relationship between backward walking ability and lower extremity function, proprioception, trunk control, and balance in individuals with stroke. Thirty individuals aged 30-85 who have had a stroke will be included in our study. Individuals with stroke who can walk 10 m without physical assistance, whose lower extremity functions are in the Brunnstrom motor recovery stages 2-6, who have been post-stroke for at least 3 days and up to 24 months, and who score 24 or higher on the Mini Mental Test will be included. Demographic information of individuals with stroke who meet the inclusion criteria will be recorded in a personal information form. Lower extremity function will be evaluated with the 3-meter back walking test (3MGYT), proprioception with the Fugl Meyer lower extremity assessment scale, with a digital goniometer, trunk control with the Trunk Impairment scale, and balance with the Brief BESTTest.

Stroke survivors often experience lower walking performance and muscle strength than healthy individuals. Despite advances in acute stroke treatment, patients continue to require rehabilitation due to spasticity, upper and lower extremity dysfunction, shoulder and back pain, dysphagia, and deficits in mobility and gait, vision, perception, and communication. Approximately 40% of patients experience functional impairment after stroke onset, and 15-30% experience severe motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments. While some patients lose ambulation completely after stroke, in others, impaired balance reactions and increased postural sway contribute to fear of falling and an increased risk of falling. Walking backwards is necessary to perform activities of daily living, such as leaning back in a chair and opening a door. This movement can be particularly challenging for the elderly and individuals with neurological deficits. Mechanical measurements of backward walking, particularly speed, stride length, and double support base, have been noted to significantly decrease in older adults. It suggests that the inability to take effective backward steps may predispose older adults to a decrease in functional walking ability and an increased risk of falls. Therefore, we believe that identifying the factors that influence backward walking ability in stroke survivors will contribute to rehabilitation programs that include walking training. This study is the first to examine the factors that influence backward walking ability in stroke patients in relation to proprioception, trunk control, lower extremity function, and balance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• who can walk 10 meters without physical assistance,
• Lower extremity functions are in stages 2-6 of the Brunnstrom motor recovery scale,
• Have been at least 3 days and no more than 24 months post-stroke,
• Scored 24 or higher on the Mini Mental Test

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with neurological or orthopedic problems other than stroke that affect walking,
• A history of cardiovascular or rheumatological diseases that interfere with daily activities,
• A lower extremity lesion or fracture,
• Lower extremity spasticity of 4 on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS),
• Aphasia or communication disorders

Stroke Patients