J Rehabil Med. 2026 Oct 12;58:jrm46292. doi: 10.2340/jrm.v58.46292.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To examine the psychometric properties of the Timed Backward Walk test in people with stroke.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
SUBJECTS: 60 people with stroke and 30 healthy adults aged 55 years and older.
METHODS: Participants performed the Timed Backward Walk test and standard clinical assessments. Discriminative validity was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve. Reliability (one-week test-retest, inter-rater, intra-rater) was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Construct validity was examined through correlations with motor function, strength, balance, and gait measures.
RESULTS: People with chronic stroke took significantly longer to complete the test than healthy adults (p < 0.001), with an area under the curve of 0.968 and an optimal cut-off of 7.22 s. Test-retest, inter-rater, and intra-rater reliability were all excellent. The standard error of measurement was 1.62 s and the minimal detectable change was 4.49 s. The complete time showed strong positive correlations with functional mobility and gait speed measures (ρ = 0.840-0.897) and moderate negative correlations with balance, lower-limb motor function, and ankle dorsiflexor strength (ρ = -0.408 to -0.647). The Timed Backward Walk test demonstrated excellent reliability, discriminative validity, and construct validity in people with chronic stroke. It is a feasible and sensitive complement to forward gait assessments.
PMID:42861797 | DOI:10.2340/jrm.v58.46292