Kinematics of Lower Extremity During Forward and Backward Walking on Different Gradients

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