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

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). The kinematic gait parameters, including hip and knee joint range of motion in BWS, were significantly lower than FWS (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.