Backward Walking Observation Training in People With Stroke and Gait Quality in Stroke

Walking impairment is one of the most common and concerning issues for individuals with stroke. Previous studies have often used improvements in walking speed and distance as reference indicators for gait performance progress in individuals with stroke. However, for people with chronic stroke, it may be more appropriate to prioritize improving gait symmetry and gait variability to enhance gait quality as a primary intervention goal. Additionally, stroke can lead to an imbalance in interhemispheric brain activity, which evolves as motor function recovers. According to the literature review, backward walking may extend the support time of the lower limbs, thereby enhancing the weight-bearing capacity of the affected limb. This, in turn, could promote gait symmetry and reduce gait variability. Changes in brain activity might also accompany such improvements in gait quality. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the immediate, short-term and post carryover intervention effects of backward walking observation training on gait quality in individuals with chronic stroke as well as to explore its effects on interhemispheric activity balance in individuals with chronic stroke.

NCT Number	NCT06850662
Lead Sponsor	National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Conditions	Stroke
Enrollment	50 participants
Start Date	2025-04-24
Primary Completion	2028-03-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2028-09-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-06-12