Efficacy of Backward Versus Forward Walking on Hamstring Strain Rehabilitation

Abstract

Objective: Hamstring muscle strain is one of the most frequently occurring injuries in sports. Backward Walking (BW) and Forward Walking (FW) on the treadmill are as a common tool for fitness training in the sports. However minimal clinical research has been conducted on the effectiveness of BW in addition to conservative hamstring strain rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: Thirty, grade I and II hamstring strain subjects with mean age of 25.19 ± 5.02 years were included in the study and, randomly assigned into two groups, BW and FW groups, (n=15) in each group and received 20 minutes of BW and FW respectively. All the participants in the both groups were treated with moist heat and followed by passive stretching. The total duration of the study was for three weeks and the treatment regime were administered four times a week for a total of 12 sessions. The study outcomes for pre and post treatment were measured before and after by lower extremity muscle strength, static and dynamic balance. Results: The results of the study indicate that determinants of quadriceps and ankle plantar flexors strength was significantly improved in the BW group (p<0.05) as compared with FW group and non-significant changes in hamstring strength for both groups (p>0.05). Although static balance improved significantly in BW group (p=0.000), whereas (p=.315) in FW group. Dynamic balance showed significant improvement in both groups (p<0.002). Conclusions: The results of the current study suggest that the static balance and muscle strength especially quadriceps and ankle plantar flexor were improved with BW. Study also concluded that the BW can be incorporated as a safe method of training during hamstring strain rehabilitation in addition to conservative management as there is less eccentric loading on hamstring muscle group during BW.

Kinematic Adaptations of Forward and Backward Walking on Land and in Water

“…On the one hand, forward (FW) walking is one of the most common motor tasks, both for exercise programs on land and in water, as it can be practised by any age-group and with most clinical conditions ( Chevutschi et al, 2009 ; Tsourlou et al, 2006 ; Volaklis et al, 2007 ). Backward (BW) walking, on the other hand, is also highly relevant as for some rehabilitation protocols BW walking has added benefits, for example for patients with patello-femoral pain syndrome ( Chevutschi et al, 2009 ; Masumoto et al, 2009 ; Masumoto et al, 2007b ), anterior cruciate ligament injuries ( Chevutschi et al, 2009 ; Kim et al, 2010 ) or hamstring strains ( Kachanathu et al, 2013 ).…”

EFFECTS OF RETRO-WALKING UNDERWATER TREADMILL TRAINING ON PAIN, FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE & FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

“…al) showed significantly greater muscle activation from the vastus medialis, tibialis anterior while walking backward in water compared to walking forward on an underwater treadmill. Increased dorsiflexion of the ankle joint occurs while walking backward, this can be assumed due to increased muscular activity [20,21]. Hence, the study concludes retro walking underwater treadmill…”

Biomechanical Properties of Land Based and Shallow Water Wait: A Comparative Review of Literature

“…Although backward walking is not commonly performed over ground, this gait activity is often practiced in the water since the water viscosity provides postural support improving the safety of this exercise compared to on land (Becker, 2009;Carneiro et al, 2012). Backward walking in water can be a beneficial mode of exercise for patients with patella-femoral pain syndrome or hamstring strains during rehabilitation protocols, due to reduced eccentric function of the quadricps muscle (Kachanathu et al, 2013;Masumoto et al, 2005). There is more hip flexion, knee flexion, and ankle plantarflexion at initial contact when walking backward in the water compared to on land (Cadenas-Sanchez et al, 2015;Carneiro et al, 2012).…”