Age- and gender-related changes in the temporal-spatial characteristics of forwards and backwards gaits

Backward walking is used increasingly as a rehabilitation technique for individuals with neurological and orthopaedic impairments. The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in the temporal-spatial characteristics of gain resulting from walking backwards as opposed to forwards, and to determine age and gender effects on these changes.

Thirty young and 40 aged, independently functioning, subjects were asked to walk forwards and backwards across a computer-based walkway system, providing data on gait velocity, stride length, cadence, swing phase and double support phase. Subjects were divided into groups based on age (young and old) and gender, and each subject was tested under two walking conditions (forwards and backwards). Five temporal-spatial gait parameters were evaluated separately as a function of the three independent variables, with the walking condition repeated for each subject.

Backwards ambulation is characterized by a slower velocity, shorter stride length and an increased double support phase in both young and older adults. These changes were significantly greater in the older subjects, among whom the swing phase was also decreased. Cadence, however, was not affected by direction of ambulation in either group. The female subjects had a shorter stride length in both movement directions, associated with reduced speed only in backwards ambulation.

Older individuals are capable of walking backwards for short distances. However, changes in gait characteristics typical to the reversal of movement direction are accentuated with age. These effects must be considered when planning to use backwards ambulation as a rehabilitation technique for older individuals.