Effect of Forward Vs Backward walking training on Quadriceps strength among college going students in Bangalore: a Comparative Study

Diker Dev Joshi¹, Singh Abhay Anand², Sreenath P S², Sibi James²

¹ Assistant professor, Padmashree Institute of Physiotherapy, Bangalore

² BPT Intern, Padmashree Institute of Physiotherapy, Bangalore

Objective: Backward walking training has shown to have effect on quadriceps strength and so does forward walking. But a comparative study between these two ways of walking training has not been done. Hence the objective of this study was to compare the effect of these two forms of walking training on quadriceps strength and measure it objectively.

Method: 30 students aged 18-30 years were taken and divided into two groups: Forward and Backward walking group by convenience sampling with 15 individuals in each group. One group was given forward walking whereas other group was walking backward walking. Both groups were also given conventional exercises like ankle pumps, static quadriceps and hamstring exercises and ROM exercises of lower limb. Each group was given 20 minute session per day for 4 weeks. Pre and Post quadriceps strength was measured with the help of FET2 dynamometer.

Result: Within group comparison done by paired t test showed no significant difference in the quadriceps strength whereas between group comparisons done with unpaired t test showed significant difference (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Thus it can be concluded that backward walking in more effective than forward walking in increasing the quadriceps strength.

Key Words: Backward walking, Quadriceps strength, College students

Corresponding Author:

Name: Diker Dev Joshi

Email id: joshidiker@gmail.com

Postal Address: 149, Padmashree Campus, Kommaghatta, Kengeri, Banglore, Karnataka 560060

Contact Number: 8310602140

Participation: Paper Presentation