Effect of forward and backward locomotion training on anaerobic performance and anthropometrical composition

Effectiveness of backward gait training on body composition, cardiopulmonary fitness, inflammation, and metabolic marker in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Walking is a fundamental physical activity with significant health implications. Backward gait training (BGT) has emerged as a novel approach with potential benefits, yet its effects in comparison to traditional forward gait training (FGT) remain uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of BGT on body composition, cardiopulmonary fitness, and inflammatory and metabolic markers in adults. A comprehensive search across electronic databases was conducted following the Preferred Publishing Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing BGT with FGT in adults were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. The analysis included a total of 379 male participants across the studies. The meta-analysis demonstrated significant changes in body composition and inflammatory marker outcomes, which included waist-to-height ratio (standardized mean difference [SMD]-1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]-1.89-0.48, I2 = 83%, P < 0.01), body mass index (SMD-0.55, 95% CI-0.77-0.32, I2= 0%, P < 0.01), and C-reactive protein (SMD-0.98, 95% CI-1.28-0.70, I2= 0%, P < 0.01). In addition, the qualitative review revealed potential enhancements in cardiopulmonary fitness and metabolic markers following BGT. While the results suggest potential benefits of BGT on body composition and inflammatory markers, the evidence remains limited and heterogeneous. Further robust research with diverse populations, longer intervention periods, and comprehensive outcome assessments is essential to elucidate the true impact of BGT and its utility for promoting overall health and well-being in adults.

Backward Walking Induces Significantly Larger Upper-Mu-Rhythm Suppression Effects Than Forward Walking Does

Studies have compared the differences and similarities between backward walking and forward walking, and demonstrated the potential of backward walking for gait rehabilitation. However, current evidence supporting the benefits of backward walking over forward walking remains inconclusive. Considering the proven association between gait and the cerebral cortex, we used electroencephalograms (EEG) to differentiate the effects of backward walking and forward walking on cortical activities, by comparing the sensorimotor rhythm (8–12 Hz, also called mu rhythm) of EEG signals. A systematic signal procedure was used to eliminate the motion artifacts induced by walking to safeguard EEG signal fidelity. Statistical test results of our experimental data demonstrated that walking motions significantly suppressed mu rhythm. Moreover, backward walking exhibited significantly larger upper mu rhythm (10–12 Hz) suppression effects than forward walking did. This finding implies that backward walking induces more sensorimotor cortex activity than forward walking does, and provides a basis to support the potential benefits of backward walking over forward walking. By monitoring the upper mu rhythm throughout the rehabilitation process, medical experts can adaptively adjust the intensity and duration of each walking training session to improve the efficacy of a walking ability recovery program.

Evaluation of energy expenditure in forward and backward movements performed by soccer referees

The aim of this study was to measure the energy expenditure for locomotor activities usually performed by soccer referees during a match (walking, jogging, and running) under laboratory conditions, and to compare forward with backward movements. The sample was composed by 10 male soccer referees, age 29±7.8 years, body mass 77.5±6.2 kg, stature 1.78±0.07 m and professional experience of 7.33±4.92 years. Referees were evaluated on two separate occasions. On the first day, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was determined by a maximal treadmill test, and on the second day, the oxygen consumption was determined in different speeds of forward and backward movements. The mean VO2max was 41.20±3.60 mL·kg-1·min-1 and the mean heart rate achieved in the last stage of the test was 190.5±7.9 bpm. When results of forward and backward movements were compared at 1.62 m/s (walking speed), we found significant differences in VO2, in metabolic equivalents, and in kcal. However, the same parameters in forward and backward movements at jogging velocities (2.46 m/s) were not significantly different, showing that these motor activities have similar intensity. Backward movements at velocities equivalent to walking and jogging are moderate-intensity activities, with energy expenditure less than 9 kcal. Energy expenditure was overestimated by at least 35% when calculated by mathematical equations. In summary, we observed that backward movements are not high-intensity activities as has been commonly reported, and when calculated using equations available in the literature, energy expenditure was overestimated compared to the values obtained by indirect calorimetry.