We investigate an algorithm of gradient type with a backward inertial step in connection with the minimization of a nonconvex differentiable function. We show that the generated sequences converge to a critical point of the objective function, if a regularization of the objective function satis es the Kurdyka-Lojasiewicz property. Further, we provide convergence rates for the generated sequences and the objective function values formulated in terms of the Lojasiewicz exponent. Finally, some numerical experiments are presented in order to compare our numerical scheme with some algorithms well known in the literature.