Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of treadmill-based backward walking training in people with Parkinson’s disease(PwPD)

Background: Parkinson’s disease(PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and cognitive impairments contributing to gait dysfunction and increased fall risk.Backward walking training(BWT) is a task-specific intervention requiring greater postural control, proprioceptive input, and neuromuscular coordination. Treadmill-based BWT allows controlled, repetitive practice that may facilitate motor learning; however, evidence regarding its feasibility in PwPD remains limited.

Method: A single-arm pilot feasibility study was conducted among individuals with clinically diagnosed idiopathic PD attending an outpatient physiotherapy department. Eight participants aged 45–75 years in early to moderate stages(Hoehn and Yahr I–III), with independent ambulation and preserved cognition(Montreal Cognitive Assessment >26), were recruited using purposive sampling. Participants performed treadmill-based backward walking with a body-weight support safety harness at a self-selected comfortable speed. Sessions lasted 5–10 minutes with rest intervals, conducted 2–3 times per week for 4 weeks. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, adherence, retention, safety, and participant acceptability, with qualitative feedback on perceived difficulty and motivation.

Results: Eight participants(mean age 67.1 ± 4.1 years; 5 males and 3 females) completed the study. Recruitment within the defined eligibility criteria was feasible, and all participants adhered to and completed the prescribed training sessions. No adverse events were reported during the intervention period. Participants described the training as challenging yet motivating and expressed willingness to continue the intervention for a longer duration.The supervised protocol using a safety harness allowed participants to safely engage in backward walking without instability.

Conclusion: Treadmill-based BWT appears feasible, safe, and well-tolerated for people with mild to moderate PD. The findings establish proof of concept and support the practicality of implementing this gait training protocol in clinical settings. Results from this study will inform protocol refinement and guide the design of a Phase II RCT to evaluate the efficacy of BWT on gait, balance, and functional mobility in PwPD.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/treadmill-based-backward-walking-training-as-a-rehabilitation-strategy-in-people-with-parkinsons-disease-a-feasibility-study/