Quantifying coordination and coordination variability in backward versus forward running: Implications for control of motion

Mehdizadeh, Sina; Arshi, Ahmed Reza; Davids, Keith

doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.05.006

Cited by 28 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…This is the first study to demonstrate that BR can be used as a training method to significantly enhance FR sprint performance. An explanation for this finding could be that both directions of locomotion are generated by the same basic neural mechanisms (9,14,20).…”

Section: Please Insertmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Neurological adaptations are known to occur in response to periods of sprint training (30). By training one direction of running, neurological adaptations may result for both BR and FR (11,20). Therefore, BR may be classified as a sprint-specific training method.…”

Section: Please Insertmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The use of BR has been recommended in adult sports training programs due to its ability to improve power output (36) while concomitantly reducing stress on the knee joint (29) compared to FR. Furthermore, it has been theorized that training adaptations from BR may transfer to FR tasks (11,20). Evidence for this effect has been reported in adult populations (34,35).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Sprint-Specific Training in Youth: Backward Running vs. Forward Running Training on Speed and Power Measures in Adolescent Male Athletes

Uthoff

Oliver

Cronin

et al. 2020

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

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This study compared the effects of two sprint-specific training programs against the natural development of speed, power and stiffness in a group of adolescent males. Forty-three male adolescents (aged 13-15 years) were randomly assigned to one of two training groups; backward running training (BRT = 26), or forward running training (FRT = 17). A physical education class (n=24) of similar age constituted a control group (CON). Both training groups performed running sessions matched for distance and intensity biweekly for eight-weeks. Parametric and magnitude-based inferences were used to analyze within group (pre-post measures) and between group (gain scores) for 10 m, 10-20 m and 20 m sprint times, vertical countermovement jump height (CMJ) and vertical leg stiffness. Both running groups significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) in all performance tests from preto post-training, with effect sizes ranging from-1.25 to 0.63. When the groups were compared the BRT and FRT groups improved significantly (p ≤ 0.01) on all sprint performances and stiffness relative to the CON. The BRT group demonstrated favorable effects for 10 m and 20 m sprint performances (ES =-0.47 and-0.26, respectively) and CMJ height (ES = 0.51) compared to the FRT group. These results demonstrate that forward and backward sprint-specific training programs enhance speed and power measures more than natural development in adolescent male athletes. Furthermore, the greater training responses in sprint performance and CMJ ability indicate that BRT is a useful tool for improving concentric strength and power and may be classified as a sprintspecific training method.

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Section: Please Insertmentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Please Insertmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Sprint-Specific Training in Youth: Backward Running vs. Forward Running Training on Speed and Power Measures in Adolescent Male Athletes

Uthoff

Oliver

Cronin

et al. 2020

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Running itself is defined as a form of gait which is characterised by a single support phase and double flight phase (7). While both directions of locomotion are thought to be generated by the same neural pathways (25), BR is unique in that visual feedback is altered and greater demands are placed on alternative sensory systems to maintain positional awareness (25,34). The ability to run backwards with an altered visual orientation may give athletes a tactical advantage.…”

Section: The Why: the Role Of Backward Running In Sports And Trainingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, when repeatedly exposed to BR training, athletes are able to improve their running economy between 2.5-33% (40,55) while also improving their peak oxygen consumption capabilities by 5.3% (55). The exact mechanisms underpinning these adaptations are ambiguous and require further exploration, however, the variability of performing a novel athletic task (34) grass. This is especially important if an athlete is young or has limited training history with BR as they may have more variable coordination ability (16,44).…”

Section: Acute Responses To Backward Runningmentioning

confidence: 99%

Backward Running: The Why and How to Program for Better Athleticism

Uthoff

Oliver

Cronin

et al. 2019

Strength &Amp; Conditioning Journal

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Backward running (BR) is a common locomotive technique used by most over-ground athletes during both competition and training, yet there are limited empirically based recommendations for using BR training for athletes. This article highlights the role of BR in sports context, provides insights into why BR may benefit athletes and recommends how to integrate BR into strength and conditioning programs. Informed guidance is provided on the practical applications for athletes, which should help speed and strength coaches design and facilitate BR in a safe and progressively overloaded fashion for youth and adult athletes alike.

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A New Direction to Athletic Performance: Understanding the Acute and Longitudinal Responses to Backward Running

et al. 2018

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Backward running (BR) is a form of locomotion that occurs in short bursts during many overground field and court sports. It has also traditionally been used in clinical settings as a method to rehabilitate lower body injuries. Comparisons between BR and forward running (FR) have led to the discovery that both may be generated by the same neural circuitry. Comparisons of the acute responses to FR reveal that BR is characterised by a smaller ratio of braking to propulsive forces, increased step frequency, decreased step length, increased muscle activity and reliance on isometric and concentric muscle actions. These biomechanical differences have been critical in informing recent scientific explorations which have discovered that BR can be used as a method for reducing injury and improving a variety of physical attributes deemed advantageous to sports performance. This includes improved lower body strength and power, decreased injury prevalence and improvements in change of direction performance following BR training. The current findings from research help improve our understanding of BR biomechanics and provide evidence which supports BR as a useful method to improve athlete performance. However, further acute and longitudinal research is needed to better understand the utility of BR in athletic performance programs.

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Quantifying coordination and coordination variability in backward versus forward running: Implications for control of motion

Cited by 28 publications

References 33 publications

Sprint-Specific Training in Youth: Backward Running vs. Forward Running Training on Speed and Power Measures in Adolescent Male Athletes

Sprint-Specific Training in Youth: Backward Running vs. Forward Running Training on Speed and Power Measures in Adolescent Male Athletes

Backward Running: The Why and How to Program for Better Athleticism

A New Direction to Athletic Performance: Understanding the Acute and Longitudinal Responses to Backward Running

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