Backward Walking Therapy After Stroke to Improve Walking and Balance
Official title: Brain and Behavioral Responses to Backward Walking Training Post-Stroke
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11400849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether different amounts of backward walking training can help people after a stroke walk faster, balance better, and reduce fall risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2021 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003542-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400849 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with acute or chronic stroke who can participate in a walking rehabilitation program and are cleared for exercise.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who cannot safely participate in gait training or have conditions preventing movement may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on earlier work showing backward walking training is safe and helpful for stroke survivors. It will randomize participants to different amounts of BWTraining to see how dose affects forward and backward walking speed and dynamic balance. The researchers will also use brain MRI to find features that predict who benefits most and to observe brain changes during the training. The goal is to guide clinicians on who should receive BWTraining and how to deliver it most effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, BWTraining could become a proven rehabilitation option to improve walking and balance after stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests BWTraining is safe and feasible and may improve walking and balance, but optimal delivery is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rose, Dorian K — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Rose, Dorian K
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.