Combined effects of backward treadmill training and botulinum toxin type A therapy on gait and balance in patients with chronic stroke: A pilot, single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

[BACKGROUND] Backward walking is recommended to improve the components of physiological gait in neurological disease. Botulinum toxin type A is an effective safe first line-treatment for post-stroke spasticity.

[OBJECTIVE] To compare the effects of backward treadmill training (BTT) versus standard forward treadmill training (FTT) on motor impairment in patients with chronic stroke receiving botulinum toxin type A therapy.

[METHODS] Eighteen chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to receive BTT (n = 7) or FTT (n = 11) as adjunct to botulinum toxin type A therapy. A total of twelve 40-minute sessions (3 sessions/week for 4 weeks) of either BTT or FTT were conducted. A blinded assessor evaluated the patients before and after treatment. The primary outcome was the 10-meter Walking Test (10 MWT). Secondary outcomes were the modified Ashworth Scale, gait analysis, and stabilometric assessment.

[RESULTS] Between-group comparison showed a significant change on the 10 MWT (P = 0.008) and on stabilometric assessment [length of centre of pressure CoP (P = 0.001) and sway area (P = 0.002) eyes open and length of CoP (P = 0.021) and sway area (P = 0.008) eyes closed] after treatment.

[CONCLUSIONS] Greater improvement in gait and balance was noted after BTT than after FTT as an adjunct to botulinum toxin therapy in patients with chronic stroke.