J Korean Phys Ther.  2022 Feb;34(1):45-50. 10.18857/jkpt.2022.34.1.45.

Differences in the Gait Pattern and Muscle Activity of the Lower Extremities during Forward and Backward Walking on Sand

• Kwon CW
• Yun SH
• Kwon JW

• KMID: 2526914
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2022.34.1.45

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare the spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters and muscle activity of the lower extremities between forward walking on sand (FWS) and backward walking on sand (BWS) in normal adults.
Methods
This study was conducted on 13 healthy adults. Subjects performed FWS and BWS and the spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters of stride time, stride length, velocity, cadence, step length, stance, swing, double support, and hip range of motion (ROM), knee ROM were measured by a wearable inertial measurement unit system. In addition, the muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), and gastrocnemius (GA) was measured.
Results
The stride length, stride velocity, cadence, and step length in the BWS were significantly lower than FWS (p < 0.05), and stride time was significantly greater (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the ratio of stance, swing, and double support between the two (p > 0.05). The kinematic gait parameters, including hip and knee joint range of motion in BWS, were significantly lower than FWS (p < 0.05). The muscle activity of the RF in BWS was significantly higher than FWS (p < 0.05), but the muscle activity of the BF, TA, GA did not show any significant differences between the two movements (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
A strategy to increase stability by changing the gait parameters is used in BWS, and this study confirmed that BWS was a safe and effective movement to increase RF muscle activity without straining the joints. Therefore, BWS can be recommended for effective activation of the RF.

Keyword

Sand; Backward walking; Rectus femoris