03/26/2026

MICHIGAN - New data published by scientists at Wayne State University show that backwards walking has positive health implications, including increased physical mobility. It also reduces the risk of falls for people with multiple sclerosis. It's part of an ongoing study that will include more clinical trials. The study was conducted to determine whether backwards walking exercises can improve balance and brain structure and reduce the risk of falling. We all take reverse steps whether we think about it or not – stepping back from the refrigerator, moving away from the sink, or stepping back to sit down. Wayne State University neurology researcher Nicole Fritz says maximizing the body's ability to take those steps can be helpful, especially later in life.

                    0:13  "And what we see is that the ability to take these backward steps is not only functional in the way that [was] just described, but also important for catching your balance if you get bumped or perturbed and need to catch yourself from having a fall."

Fritz says the pace at which people with multiple sclerosis can walk backwards is directly related to their risk of falling and adds that doctors can use backward walking to assess that risk.