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INTRODUCTION

The focus of our study is to analyze one forward and backward walking gait cycle, of an individual, on a hard wood floor. We will compare the two movements to see if there are particular joint angles used in backward walking gait that might be therapeutic to patients that have sustained an injury to the ankle. Walking backwards on a treadmill has been used as a rehabilitation exercise to increase ankle flexibility and proper range of motion. We specifically looked at ankle kinematics to see if backward walking increases or decreases the range of motion, without the use of a treadmill.

The purpose of our study is to understand the difference between forward and backward walking gait patterns. Based on the type of injury and the healing process that has already taken place, an increased range of motion in the ankle can be an advantage in walking therapy. An increased range of motion could cause the ankle to be more susceptible to weak stability of the joint in walking on uneven ground. Yet, if the ankle started to heal more stiffly it would be an advantage to have a greater range of motion for normal activity. We hope to answer our movement in question through a biomechanical analysis of segment angles, joint angles, and joint velocity of the ankle.