Effectiveness of Forward Walking Versus Retro Walking on Balance, Gait Speed and Lower Body Functional Strength among the Elderly Population - A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Aging is a fundamental process that affects all of our systems and tissues. Muscle strength, balance and gait speed are decreased due to aging. Walking on regular basis improves the quality of life in older adults and breaks down the cycle of disablement by interrupting the progression of disability. Aim: To find out and compare the Effectiveness of Forward walking versus Retro walking on Balance, Gait Speed and Lower Body Functional Strength among the Elderly Population. Methodology: 48 subjects were selected and randomly divided into two groups. All participants of both groups performed Warm-up and cool-down exercises for 5 minutes. Group A performed Forward walking and Group B performed Retro walking for 20 minutes. Both interventions were given for 30 minutes, 3 days/week for 4 weeks. Balance, Gait speed and Lower body functional strength were assessed by Performance oriented mobility assessment (POMA) and Multi-directional Reach Test (MDRT), 10-Meter Walk Test and 30 sec Sit to Stand Test respectively. All outcome measures were assessed before and after intervention. Result and Conclusion: Within Group analysis showed statistically significant difference in POMA, MDRT, 10-meter walk test and 30-Sec Sit to Stand test in both Groups except POMA scale in Group A. Between Groups analysis showed statistically significant improvement in POMA T(Total), MDRT, 10-Meter walk test and 30 Sec Sit to Stand Test in Group B. Hence, both groups were effective in improving Balance, Gait Speed and Lower Body Functional Strength among the Elderly Population. Even Retro-walking was found superior to Forward walking. Key words: Retro walking, Performance oriented mobility assessment (POMA), Multi-directional reach test (MDRT), 10-Meter Walk Test, 30 sec Sit to Stand Test, elderly.