The effects of backward walking training on balance and mobility in an individual with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury: A case report

Physiother Theory Pract, 2016 · DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2016.1206155 · Published: October 1, 2016

Simple Explanation

This case report explores backward walking training as a method to improve walking in people with incomplete spinal cord injuries (ISCIs). Backward walking presents different balance and movement challenges compared to forward walking. The study found that backward walking may help activate neural pathways that control forward walking. This suggests that backward walking training could be an effective way to help people with ISCIs regain their ability to walk. A 28-year-old woman with a chronic ISCI participated in 18 sessions of backward walking training. Results showed improved balance and mobility after the training.

Study Duration

6 Weeks

Participants

A 28-year-old female with chronic ISCI

Evidence Level

Level 4, Case Report

Key Findings

1
Balance improved based on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score increasing from 20 to 37 out of 56.
2
Upright mobility improved, as indicated by a decrease in Timed Up and Go (TUG) test times from 57 seconds to 32.7 seconds.
3
Self-reported balance confidence, measured by the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, increased from 36.9% to 49.6%.

Research Summary

This case report demonstrates improvements in balance and walking function in an adult with chronic ISCI following participation in an intense backward walking training program. Walking rehabilitation principles were applied to promote intense, task-specific practice. Backward walking training may be a beneficial rehabilitation strategy for promoting balance and mobility recovery after ISCI.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Backward walking training can be considered as a potential rehabilitation strategy for individuals with chronic ISCI to improve balance and mobility.

Task-Specific Practice

Emphasizing task-specific practice, along with walking rehabilitation principles, can be beneficial in promoting recovery.

Balance Confidence

Interventions targeting balance can improve balance self-efficacy, potentially leading to increased activity and participation in daily living.

Study Limitations

1
The primary limitation is that it includes only one participant and the outcomes cannot be generalized to other individuals with ISCIs.
2
Backward walking training was not compared to other gait rehabilitation strategies and therefore, the relative effectiveness of backward walking training for this individual is not known.
3
Another limitation of this case report is the role of the primary physical therapist in carrying out the intervention and also in conducting the tests and measures.

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