One step forward and two steps back: The dangers of walking backwards in therapy

Mark A. Thomas; Avital Fast

doi:10.1097/00002060-200009000-00011

One step forward and two steps back: The dangers of walking backwards in therapy

Mark A. Thomas, Avital Fast

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Walking backwards has been used in therapy to improve balance and gait. There has not been any systematic investigation into the effectiveness or safety of walking backwards. We present two cases in which walking backwards during physical therapy resulted in a fall and considerable morbidity. The only clear indication for treatment by walking backwards should be a task-specific need to do so, and only then if adequate safety can be assured.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	459-461
Number of pages	3
Journal	American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume	79
Issue number	5
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1097/00002060-200009000-00011
State	Published - 2000
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Ambulation
Backwards
Fall
Physical Therapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation

Access to Document

10.1097/00002060-200009000-00011

Cite this

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abstract = "Walking backwards has been used in therapy to improve balance and gait. There has not been any systematic investigation into the effectiveness or safety of walking backwards. We present two cases in which walking backwards during physical therapy resulted in a fall and considerable morbidity. The only clear indication for treatment by walking backwards should be a task-specific need to do so, and only then if adequate safety can be assured.",

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AB - Walking backwards has been used in therapy to improve balance and gait. There has not been any systematic investigation into the effectiveness or safety of walking backwards. We present two cases in which walking backwards during physical therapy resulted in a fall and considerable morbidity. The only clear indication for treatment by walking backwards should be a task-specific need to do so, and only then if adequate safety can be assured.

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KW - Fall

KW - Physical Therapy

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ER -

One step forward and two steps back: The dangers of walking backwards in therapy

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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