Backward walking study results may help to improve mobility and decrease falls in multiple sclerosis patients

Medical Xpress / Wayne State University / Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy ^ | Feb. 3, 2026 | Julie O'Connor / Maryam M. Abbawi et al

[ConservativeMind]

A collaborative team of researchers and students have studied the impact of a backward walking program on individuals with multiple sclerosis.

The team led by Dr. Nora Fritz, conducted the study to determine whether backward walking training could improve mobility, balance and brain structure, and reduce the risk of falling. Participants were involved in eight weeks of treadmill and overground backward walking therapies.

"The results of this pilot trial indicated that backward walking training led to measurable improvements in postural stability and gait speed in a majority of those participating in the study," said Fritz. "This suggests that backward walking may trigger positive physical adaptations."

The authors indicated additional larger clinical trials are needed to confirm the benefits.

"This novel physical therapy intervention was designed to combat the progressive movement challenges associated with MS," said Fritz. "We measured structural changes in the brain's white matter in three brain regions—the body of the corpus callosum, the superior cerebellar peduncle, and the corticospinal tract.

"The results of this small trial suggest that this type of therapy may promote neuroplasticity in brain areas related to balance. Our next step is to conduct a larger trial to determine the potential impact this type of therapy may have on all MS patients."

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TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS:

[ConservativeMind]

Treadmill plus walking backward outside triggered positive physical adaptations for MS patients, including increasing gait speed.

[ConservativeMind]

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[ClearCase_guy]

“You should walk backward. You’ll fall less.”
“What?”
“Trust me. I’m an expert.”

[metmom]

Then theoretically, it should be good for everyone as they age.

As an aside, since the food pyramid has been flipped, I’ve seen a change in the ads for grocery stores advertising *protein salads* and *protein breakfast cereal*, and such.

Gotta get on the bandwagon.

Problem is, it’s not just adding protein, but reducing carbs, especially the refined, highly processed kind in all the convenience foods people eat.

[decal]

Good for the hamstrings, too - that’s why few basketball players have hamstring pulls.

[OftheOhio]

novel physical therapy...That’s what she said..(chuckle)

[bosco24]

When I take my walk I am always meeting an asia guy so is always walking backward. I was thinking it was an asian thing but now I know what is going on. Thanks.

[angry elephant]

It would seem that women dancing with men who are leading them in the dance would be good as the women are often walking backward.

[xp38]

Michael Jackson....died of another cause so that's proof

[zeestephen]

More than 20 years ago, a Dutch medical specialist on Parkinsons Disease, discovered that 50% of his patients with high level walking impairment could ride a bicycle around an indoor track, if they were placed on the bike seat, and given a helpful push to start off, and then help to stop and dismount.

I have always thought that was completely amazing.

Your brain prevents you from walking, but allows you to balance and pedal a bike!

[glorgau]

I live in 4 floor loft walk up and do the stairs backwards both up and down. It’s good for my back.

[Bobbyvotes]

But I can’t see what’s behind me. If I fall from an obstacle while walking backwards, and break my skull, that will mean no more falls in future. It will be the last fall. 😂

[alexander_busek]

I've been trying to get my mother-in-law to do this.

Combined with a visit to the Grand Canyon.

Regards,