• Enver Katırcı, Hatice Adıgüzel, Zekiye İpek Katırcı Kırmacı, and Nevin Ergun.
• Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, SANKO University, 27090, Gaziantep, Turkey.
• Ir J Med Sci. 2023 Oct 1; 192 (5): 239123992391-2399.

ObjectiveThis study was planned to determine the factors affecting backward walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodsThe study included 30 children with CP, with a mean age of 10.43 ± 2.76 years. Backward walking abilities were evaluated with the 3-Meter Back Walk Test (3MBWT). A digital goniometer was used to evaluate proprioception, the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) was used for trunk control, a digital muscle dynamometer was used for muscle strength, and the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ) was used for gait evaluation.ResultsWhen the spasticity of children at levels I and II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was compared, a significant difference was found in favor of level I in hamstring, gastro-soleus, and gastrocnemius spasticity (p < 0.05). When the results of the 3MBWT, TCMS, and FAQ were compared, a significant difference was found in favor of level I (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was revealed between the 3MBWT and lower extremity proprioception and TCMS (p > 0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between the 3MBWT and FAQ (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the 3MBWT and lower extremity muscle strengths (p > 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found only between hip extension proprioception and iliopsoas muscle strength (p = 0.023). There was no significant correlation between the FAQ and lower extremity muscle strength (p > 0.05).ConclusionIt was revealed that the backward walking ability increased as the forward walking function improved in children with CP, but it was not affected by proprioception, trunk control, and muscle strength.Clinical TrialsNCT05088629 (10/11/2021).© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.

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