Backward walking training for people with multiple sclerosis

TRAIN-BW: Backward Walking Training in Multiple Sclerosis

Not applicable Interventional Wayne State University · NCT04091464

This study tests if backward walking training can help people with multiple sclerosis improve their mobility and reduce their risk of falling compared to forward walking training.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWayne State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Detroit, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT04091464 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the feasibility and impact of backward walking training as an intervention for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) who experience mobility impairments and are at risk for falls. Participants will be compared to those undergoing forward walking training to assess differences in motor function and fall risk. The study aims to determine whether backward walking training can provide a more effective approach to improving mobility and reducing falls in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who experience walking dysfunction and have a history of falls.

Not a fit: Patients who have had an MS relapse within the past 30 days or have other significant neurological or orthopedic disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the risk of falls and improve mobility for patients with multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: While backward walking training has not been extensively studied in MS, similar approaches in other populations have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of MS
* PDDS \<6, indicating ability to ambulate with or without an assistive device \>/= 50% of the time
* Self-reported walking dysfunction as evidenced by a score of \>/= 30 on MSWS-12 OR reports of 2 or more falls in the prior 6 months, indicating a frequent faller.

Exclusion Criteria:

* MS relapse within the past 30 days
* comorbid neurological disorder
* acute orthopedic disorder/injury
* unable to follow study-related commands

Where this trial is running

Detroit, Michigan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Multiple SclerosisGait Disorders, NeurologicAccidental FallBackward WalkingNeurorehabilitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.