Strong and well-toned lower extremities are crucial to a normal and active lifestyle. The lower body has many functions, including support, balance, and most importantly, locomotion. Because the lower limbs are used so extensively in everyday life, they are prone to injury. Different injuries affect specific aspects of the gait cycle, which require alternate rehabilitative methods. Forward and backward walking utilize different muscles and angles and may offer specific gait rehabilitative effects.
The purpose of our investigation is to compare the biomechanics of forward walking and backward walking on a treadmill to determine which of the two styles of gait is better for specific rehabilitative purposes. We are particularly interested in the results because as student athletic trainers, we are faced with designing the most effective rehabilitation program for a variety of lower extremity injuries.
We expect to find that backward walking will utilize the hip extensors (hamstrings) to a greater extent. Greater use of the hamstrings would be present in the form of a larger angle of hip extension, and a smaller degree of hip flexion in backward walking than forward. As a result of this, the movement will protect the musculature from extensive stretch, which would cause greater damage to the muscle fibers.