Change in gait parameters of forward walking after giving backward walking training among normal individual

Background: Backward walking has emerged as an important therapy. Backward walking is regulated by same central pattern generator as forward walking. Gait parameter of interest were step length, stride length, step width and cadence. Measurement was made at baseline before commencement of training and at the end of 4 weeks. Methods: Initially the subject were made to walk 10 steps forward and 9 steps backwards and was observed for any discomfort. Then patient is made to walk backward for 10 minutes per session barefoot. This training program was carried out for 20 minutes for 3 days/week for 4 weeks with 12 sessions. Pre test measurement for step length, stride length, step width and cadence is taken by making the individuals walk on the flat surface and distance I measured, then the above mentioned backward walking training protocol is given and observed for any changes. After 4 weeks of training post measurement is taken and observed for any changes. Result: Intervention of forward walking after backward walking significantly improved the cadence, but not other variables are significant. Discussion: The improvement in walking cadence with RW achieved in the present study may be explained highlighting the biomechanical factors. RW differs from FW by the fact that during RW, there is concentric contraction of quadriceps and eccentric contraction of hamstrings. Further, in the early stance phase of gait cycle during RW, there is activation of knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is change in cadence in forward walking after giving backward walking training.