The Effectiveness of Retro Walking Gait Performance Among Stroke Patients

Abstract

 Introduction: Gait impairment is a common consequence of stroke, significantly affecting patients’ independence and
quality of life. Traditional gait training often results in an asymmetrical gait pattern. Retro walking has been suggested
to engage different muscle groups and motor programs, potentially improving gait symmetry and overall mobility in
stroke patients.
Methods: A randomized experimental study was conducted at KG Hospital, Coimbatore. A total of 10 male stroke
patients, aged 40-50 years, with left-sided hemiplegic and within six months post-stroke, were selected using random
sampling. They were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n=5), which received additional backward walking
training, and the control group (n=5), which received standard rehabilitation. Both groups underwent 40-minute training
sessions three times a week for six weeks. Outcome measures included gait velocity (10-meter walk test), functional
balance (functional reach test), and cadence.
Results: Significant improvements were observed in the experimental group compared to the control group. The
experimental group showed a greater increase in gait velocity (mean difference of 19.47 vs .5.36), functional reach
(mean difference of 3.93 vs. 1.82), and cadence (mean difference of 14.67 vs. 9.27). Statistical analysis using paired and
independent ‘t-test confirmed the significance of these findings (p <0.05).
Conclusion: The study concludes that backward walking training, in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation,
significantly improves gait velocity, functional balance, and cadence in stroke patients. This suggests that incorporating
backwards walking into stroke rehabilitation programs can enhance recovery outcomes.