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Background and Objective: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that leads to biomechanical and morphological alterations in the joint. There are various physiotherapeutic interventions available for treating osteoarthritis but there is lack of literature regarding comparison of effectiveness of Forward walking and Retro walking in subjects with Osteoarthritis of knee, hence the need of the study arises. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness between the Forward Walking and Retro-Walking in improving Strength and Function in subjects with Osteoarthritis of Knee. Methods: Prospective Cohort study design. 150 subjects who were clinically diagnosed of Osteoarthritis of Knee were assessed and only 66 were recruited who are willing to be in the study and they were randomly allocated into two Groups. In Group I (n = 33) subjects were treated with Conventional Physiotherapy and Forward Walking for 8 weeks, whereas in Group II (n = 33) subjects were treated with Conventional Physiotherapy and Retro Walking for 8 weeks. The outcome of this intervention Function (KOOS) and lower limb strength (knee flexion and extension). Results: Statistical analysis of this study data revealed that in between-group comparison showed there is a STATISTICAL significant difference in KOOS and knee flexors and extensors strength. Conclusion: This study concluded that Retro Walking is a suitable adjunct to Conventional Physiotherapy in Subject with knee osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the effects of backward (BW) and forward (FW) walking training on back geometry and mobility function in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (CP). Fifty-five children with hemiparetic CP participated in this study. They were randomly assigned into two groups. For 12 weeks, both groups got a conventional physical therapy program three days/week. Groups A and B got a specifically developed FW walking training (25 minutes/session) and a specially designed BW walking training (25 minutes/session), respectively. The trunk imbalance, lateral deviation, pelvic tilting, pelvic torsion, surface motion, and dynamic gait index of group B improved significantly more than group A (p <.05). Both groups showed significant improvements in all measured variables (p <.05). BW walking training might be considered as an effective therapy modality for improving back geometry and mobility function in hemiparetic CP children compared with FW walking training combined with a typical program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although extensive literature exists on forward and backward walking, a comprehensive assessment of gait parameters on a wide and homogenous population is missing. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyse the differences between the two gait typologies on a relatively large sample. Twenty-four healthy young adults participated in this study. By means of a marker-based optoelectronic system and force platforms, differences between forward and backward walking were outlined in terms of kinematics and kinetics. Statistically, significant differences were observed in most of the spatial–temporal parameters, evidencing some adaptation mechanisms in backward walking. Differently from the ankle joint, the hip and knee range of motion was significantly reduced when switching from forward to backward walking. In terms of kinetics, hip and ankle moment patterns for forward and backward walking were approximately mirrored images of each other. Moreover, joint powers appeared drastically reduced during reversed gait. Specifically, valuable differences in terms of produced and absorbed joint powers between forward and backward walking were pointed out. The outcomes of this study could represent a useful reference data for future investigation evaluating the efficacy of backward walking as a rehabilitation tool for pathological subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Forward Walking (FW) and Backward Walking (BW) on different gradients of the treadmill is a common exercise for lower extremity rehabilitation. However, limited studies are found about the three-dimensional analysis of lower extremity and status of the knee joint during FW and BW on different gradients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the lower extremity joints kinematics during FW and BW on incline and decline surfaces. Methods: The current research has a quasi-experimental design. Sixteen healthy males with the mean (SD) age of 22.4(2.5) years, volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects’ FW and BW with their preferred speed on a treadmill at four gradients (-7.5%, 0%, +5% and +10%), were analyzed by using motion capture system. All data were analyzed using paired sample t test (P

Objective: To compare the effects of backward walking training and forward walking training on spatiotemporal gait parameters, and gross motor function measures in children with cerebral palsy. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Physical therapy clinics. Subjects: A total of 30 children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy of both sexes (10 to 14 years of age, classified as I or II by gross motor function classification system) participated in this study. They were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Interventions: Both groups received a conventional physical therapy program for 12 successive weeks (three sessions per week). The experimental group additionally received (25 min) backward walking training. The control group additionally received (25 min) forward walking training. Outcome measures: Baseline, posttreatment, and follow-up assessment for spatiotemporal gait parameters and gross motor functions were evaluated by using three dimensional gait analysis system and gross motor function measures. Results: There was a significant improvement in step length, walking velocity, cadence, stance phase, and swing phase percentage and gross motor function measures (Dimensions D and E) of the experimental group (0.55 ±0.16, 0.53 ±0.19, 121.73 ±2.89, 54.73 ±1.67, 44.40 ±1.40, 90.20 ±6.44, 82.47 ±12.82), respectively, than the control group (0.39 ±0.13, 0.46 ±0.20, 125.80 ±2.96, 50.27 ±1.62, 49.47 ±1.55, 82.47 ±7.05, 80.47 ±12.61), respectively, (p < 0.05). The significant improvement of all measured outcomes of the experimental group was maintained at 1 month follow-up assessment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In addition to a conventional physical therapy program, backward walking training is more effective than forward walking training on spatiotemporal gait parameters, and gross motor function measures in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Walking, both forward and backward, is found to be effective for reducing pain in subjects with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and improving physical function and quality of life (QOL). Aims: This study aims to determine and compare the effects of forward walking (FW) and backward walking (BW) on pain, physical function, and QOL in subjects with OA knee. Settings and Design: Quasi-experimental study set up at general hospital, Ahmedabad, India. Subjects and Methods: Thirty subjects >40 years diagnosed as having bilateral OA knee according to American College of Rheumatology criteria having indoor and outdoor walking ability without aids were included in this study. Group A and B subjects received FW and BW respectively for 10 min in addition to conventional treatment thrice daily for 2 weeks. Group C received conventional treatment in the form of hot water fomentation and exercises. Exercises comprised of static quadriceps, short arc terminal extension of the knee, ankle toe movements, straight leg raises, knee flexion and extension, proprioceptive exercises in the form of lunges, weight shifts, partial squats and balance training on the balance board and stretching of hamstrings, tendo-Achilles and rectus femoris muscles. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS 16.0 (IBM Corporation). Parametric tests were used. The level of significance was 5%. Results: The results showed improvement in all the outcome measures within all the three groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups except Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Visual analog scale (VAS) at rest on the right side in all three groups and on the left side in Group A as well as in scores of VAS at activity on both the sides (P < 0.05) and no improvement in VAS at rest on the left side in Groups B and C (P > 0.05). Improvement in WOMAC scores within all the 3 groups (P < 0.05) and SF-36 (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference between the groups for VAS at rest (left P = 0.919, right P = 0.823) or activity (left P = 0.706, right P = 0.052) on both the sides and SF-36 scores (P > 0.05). Statistically significant difference between the groups for WOMAC (P = 0.043), Group A was better than Group C (P = 0.043). Conclusions: FW and BW along with conventional therapy are equally effective and not better than conventional treatment alone in reducing pain and improving physical function and QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Levodopa treatment has been shown to improve gait spatio-temporal characteristics in both forward and backward walking. However, effect of levodopa on gait variability during backward walking compared with forward walking has not been reported. Aims of study To study the effects of levodopa on gait variability of forward and backward walking in individuals with Parkinson's disease ( PD). Methods Forty individuals with PD were studied. Their mean age was 68.70 ± 7.46 year. The average time since diagnosis was 9.41 ± 5.72 year. Gait variability was studied while ' OFF' and ' ON' levodopa when the participants walked forward and backward at their usual speed. Variability in step time, swing time, stride length, double support time, and stride velocity were compared between medication condition and walking direction. Results Variability of step time, swing time, stride length, and stride velocity decreased significantly during forward and backward walks ( P < 0.001; P < 0.001; P = 0.003, P = 0.001, respectively) after levodopa administration. Variability of double support time was not changed after levodopa administration ( P = 0.054). Conclusions Levodopa had positive effects on gait variability of forward and backward walking in individuals with PD. However, variability in double support time was not affected by the levodopa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Backward walking is difficult for persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). It is unknown how levodopa influences backward gait patterns, especially when compared to forward gait patterns. Purpose: Investigate the effects of levodopa on forward and backward gait patterns in individuals with PD. Design: A repeated measures design was used. Methods: The sample consisted of 21 individuals with PD (15 males, 6 females). Their mean age was 70.24 ± 8.69 yr. The average time since diagnosis was 11.81 ± 5.49 years. The median of the Hoehn and Yahr stage while 'ON' medication was 2.57. Gait patterns during forward and backward walking at a self-selected comfortable speed were recorded before and after taking levodopa on the same day. Results: Levodopa significantly increased gait speed and stride length and decreased the percent of the gait cycle (%GC) spent in double support. Gait speed and stride length were greater and the %GC spent in double support was less during forward walking compared with backward walking. Cadence was not changed by levodopa or walking direction. Conclusions: Levodopa improved gait characteristics during backward walking in a manner similar to that during forward walking in persons with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to quantify spontaneous and maximal speeds on dry land and in water, in four modalities of walking [forward (F), backward (B) and lateral walking (L)], with chest immersion level. Lateral walking was studied with the upper limbs of the subject alongside the body with hands placed on the lateral face of the thighs (L1) and upper limbs tightened behind the back with the hands joined (L2). 16 males (age 22.8±1.8 years, height 178.1±6.1cm, body mass 73.5±6.6kg) and 15 females (age 22.8±2.1 years, height 171.5±5.8cm, body mass 69.2±9.3kg) were evaluated using the four modalities of walking on dry land and in water. The speed increments between spontaneous and maximal speeds on dry land for F, B and L1 and L2 were 60.2%, 60.9%, 64.3% and 65.3% for males and 47.3%, 48.3%, 44.5% and 53.1% for females. In the water, these variation values for F, B, L1 and L2 for males were 44.6%, 26.1%, 48.8%, and 42.1%. The values for females were 31.7%, 21.6%, 32.8%, and 34.6%. Spontaneous and maximal speeds of walking were substantially reduced in water with the chest immersed, compared to speeds on dry land for the four modalities and the two genders. These findings may be used by therapists who utilize the various modalities of walking in aquatherapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to reveal the characteristics of backward walking of healthy adults. The subjects were 27 undergraduate students of Seirei Christopher University (17 men and 10 women). The items measured were 10 m forward walking, 10 m backward walking, and a VAS (Visual Analog Scale) was used to measure subjective sense of fear just after the backward walking. The speed of walking was free for each subject (free walking) and the walking time (time distance), step number and actual walking distance was measured. From these results, backward walking was found to reduce step width (p<0.001), step rate (p<0.05), walking speed (p<0.001) and walking ratio (p<0.001) compared with forward walking. Sense of fear had no relevance to backward walking. The backward walking of healthy adults was not influenced by psychogenic factor, suggesting that the large reduction in step width controlled the walking speed and rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Backward walking can be defined as a cyclic pattern of gait events. • Forward and Backward walking are affected by visual referencing in VR environments. • Backward walking in VR environments could potentially be a rehabilitation exercise. Backward walking is used increasingly as a rehabilitation exercise for stroke and diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients to improve strength and balance. However, it is unclear how visual referencing affects backward and forward walking. In this study, we evaluated spatiotemporal gait characteristics changes due to visual referencing while backward/forward walking. Sixteen healthy young participants were recruited in this study. All participants walked for 2 min with and without visual referencing in the virtual reality environment. While walking backward participants faced the virtual reality screen similar to forward walking, but their treadmill belt direction of movement was reversed. All participants walked at their preferred speed. We found that backward walking with visual reference affected symmetry in step length (p < 0.05) and step width (p < 0.001). Backward walking increased variability in step length (p < 0.001) and COM side excursions (p < 0.01) but also increased base of support through increased step width (p < 0.02). We also found backward walking with visual reference had significantly increased double support time (p < 0.001) and reduced swing time (p < 0.001). We also found that backward walking does not predispose to slip and trip risk, thereby, reduced foot contact velocity (p < 0.0001) and increased foot clearance (p < 0.0001). The findings of this study will help understand the effects of visual reference in backward and forward walking enables clinicians to design patient-centered rehabilitation exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An estimation method for a two-dimensional walking trajectory during free walking, such as forward walking, side stepping and backward walking, was investigated using a tiptoe-mounted inertial sensor. The horizontal trajectory of the toe-tip is obtained by double integration of toe-tip acceleration during the moving phase in which the sensor is rotated before foot-off or after foot-contact, in addition to the swing phase. Special functions that determine the optimum moving phase as the integral duration in every one step are developed statistically using the gait cycle and the resultant angular velocity of dorsi/planter flexion, pronation/supination and inversion/eversion so that the difference between the estimated trajectory and actual one gives a minimum value during free walking with several cadences. To develop the functions, twenty healthy volunteers participated in free walking experiments in which subjects performed forward walking, side stepping to the right, side stepping to the left, and backward walking at 39 m down a straight corridor with several predetermined cadences. To confirm the effect of the developed functions, five healthy subjects participated in the free walking experiment in which each subject performed free walking with different velocities of normal, fast, and slow based on their own assessment in a square course with 7 m side. The experimentally obtained results of free walking with a combination of forward walking, backward walking, and side stepping indicate that the proposed method produces walking trajectory with high precision compared with the constant threshold method which determines swing phase using the size of the angular velocity., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of progressive body weight supported treadmill forward and backward walking training (PBWSTFBWT), progressive body weight supported treadmill forward walking training (PBWSTFWT), progressive body weight supported treadmill backward walking training (PBWSTBWT), on stroke patients' affected side lower extremity's walking ability. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 36 chronic stroke patients were divided into three groups with 12 subjects in each group. Each of the groups performed one of the progressive body weight supported treadmill training methods for 30 minute, six times per week for three weeks, and then received general physical therapy without any other intervention until the follow-up tests. For the assessment of the affected side lower extremity's walking ability, step length of the affected side, stance phase of the affected side, swing phase of the affected side, single support of the affected side, and step time of the affected side were measured using optogait and the symmetry index. [Results] In the within group comparisons, all the three groups showed significant differences between before and after the intervention and in the comparison of the three groups, the PBWSTFBWT group showed more significant differences in all of the assessed items than the other two groups. [Conclusion] In the present study progressive body weight supported treadmill training was performed in an environment in which the subjects were actually walked, and PBWSTFBWT was more effective at efficiently training stroke patients' affected side lower extremity's walking ability.