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Backward Walking Training for Stroke Recovery

This study is looking at how different amounts of Backward Walking Training can help people recover after a stroke. Participants will receive either 18 or 27 sessions of training, which includes walking on a treadmill and over ground. We want to see if this training improves your walking speed and balance. You may be able to join if you are between 18 and 90 years old, had a stroke 2 to 4 months ago, and can walk at least 10 feet with some help. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status.

Study design
This is a randomized controlled trial, meaning participants are randomly assigned to one of two training groups. About 48 people are expected to join this study.
What's involved
You would participate in either 18 or 27 sessions of backward walking training, three times a week for six or nine weeks. Each session involves 20 minutes on a treadmill and 20 minutes over ground, plus assessments at the beginning and end of the study.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your walking and balance will be measured at the end of your six or nine-week training period.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04928482

Responses to Backward Walking Training Post-Stroke

Recruiting
NAAges 18–90InterventionalTreatment
VA Office of Research and Development
~48 participants
Updated 2026-04-08 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Backward Walking Training

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in the time to complete the 10 Meter walk Test
Measured over Change from baseline to end of study intervention (six or nine weeks depending on intervention arm)
+4 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Stroke

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Stroke

NCT04928482

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 2 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Brooks Rehabilitation

    Jacksonville, Floridastudy coordinator listed

    Not yet recruiting

  • North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL

    Gainesville, Floridastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Dorian Kay Rose, PhD MS BS · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL

Who to contact

Dorian K Rose, PhD MS BS
[email protected]
(352) 273-8307
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Berg Balance Scale \< 45
Self-selected 10 meter gait speed \< 0.8 m/s
Diagnosis of unilateral stroke
\> 2 months \< 4 months post-stroke
Able to ambulate at least 10 feet with maximum 1 person assist
Medically stable

Exclusion

Presence of neurological condition other than stroke
Serious cardiac conditions (hospitalization for myocardial infarction or heart surgery within 3 months, history of congestive heart failure, documented serious and unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during activities of daily living)
Anyone meeting New York Heart Association criteria for Class 3 or Class 4 heart disease will be excluded
Severe arthritis or orthopedic problems that limit passive ranges of motion of lower extremity (knee flexion contracture of -10 degrees, knee flexion ROM \< 90 degrees, hip flexion contracture \> 25 degrees, and ankle plantar flexion contracture \> 15 degrees)
Severe hypertension with systolic greater than 200 mmHg and diastolic greater than 110 mmHg at rest
Pain upon ambulation
Receiving physical therapy services for mobility and/or gait
Living in a skilled nursing facility
Any MRI contraindication, including but not limited to the presence of metal, MR sensitive implanted medical devices, or claustrophobia

What this trial measures

  • Change in the time to complete the 10 Meter walk TestChange from baseline to end of study intervention (six or nine weeks depending on intervention arm)

    Gait speed will be measured with the 10-Meter Walk Test. Individuals will be given a 3 meter warm-up distance for walking, preceding the 10 meter distance and 3 meters beyond the 10 meters to continue walking. The time that it takes to traverse the 10 meters at the subject's usual pace will be recorded.

  • Change in the time to complete the Three-Meter Backward Walk TestChange from baseline to end of study intervention (six or nine weeks depending on intervention arm)

    BW Speed will be assessed with the 3-Meter Backward Walk test (3MBWT). The test consists of a 1 meter warm-up distance, a timed 3 meter distance, followed by an additional 1 meter to continue walking. An average of two trials will be recorded.

  • Change in the Functional Gait AssessmentChange from baseline to end of study intervention (six or nine weeks depending on intervention arm)

    A 10-item clinical gait and balance test of dynamic activities. Reported scores range from 0 to 30 with a larger number representing a better score.

  • Change in the Activity-Specific Balance Confidence ScaleChange from baseline to end of study intervention (six or nine weeks depending on intervention arm)

    This 16-item self-report measure is used to assess perceived efficacy (self-reported confidence) in maintaining balance while performing a number of activities common in community-dwelling older adults. This scale is reported as an average of the 16 items from 0% to 100% with a larger number representing a better score.

  • Change in the Berg Balance ScaleChange from baseline to end of study intervention (six or nine weeks depending on intervention arm)

    This tool consists of 14 items that assesses static and dynamic standing balance, ability to sit, stand up and transfer. The range of this scale is 0-56 with a larger number representing a better score.