Effect of Backward Walking on Balance and muscle function in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive disorder of the central nervous system, often associated with balance impairments and muscle weakness. Recently, the use of simple and accessible exercises has gained attention as a rehabilitation approach for patients with MS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of backward walking on balance and muscle function in women with MS. Sixteen female patients aged ۲۵ to ۵۰ years were purposefully selected through the Arak Multiple Sclerosis Association and physician referrals. Pre-tests included the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Participants were divided into an intervention group, performing backward walking, and a control group, performing forward walking. The intervention lasted eight weeks, three sessions per week, each including warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down. Post-tests were conducted at the end of the program. Data were analyzed using SPSS version ۲۵. The results indicated that backward walking significantly improved static balance and muscle function in the intervention group. This simple, safe, and low-cost exercise may be recommended in rehabilitation programs for women with MS.

کلیدواژه ها:

Multiple sclerosis ، backward walking ، balance ، muscle function