Backward Walking Research Articles

Cerebellar axonopathy in Shivers horses identified by spatial transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.

Shivers in horses is characterized by abnormal hindlimb movement when walking backward and is proposed to be caused by a Purkinje cell (PC) axonopathy based on histopathology. Define region-specific differences in gene expression within the lateral cerebellar hemisphere and compare cerebellar protein expression between Shivers horses and controls. Case-control study of 5 Shivers and 4 control geldings ≥16.2 hands in height. Using spatial transcriptomics, gene expression was compared between Shivers and control horses in PC soma and lateral cerebellar hemisphere white matter, consisting primarily of axons. Tandem-mass-tag (TMT-11) proteomic analysis was performed on lateral cerebellar hemisphere homogenates. Differences in gene expression between Shivers and control horses were evident in principal component analysis of axon-containing white matter but not PC soma. In white matter, there were 455/1846 differentially expressed genes (DEG; 350 ↓DEG, 105 ↑DEG) between Shivers and controls, with significant gene set enrichment of the Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) cascade, highlighting neuroinflammation. There were 50/936 differentially expressed proteins (DEP). The 27 ↓DEP highlighted loss of axonal proteins including intermediate filaments (5), myelin (3), cytoskeleton (2), neurite outgrowth (2), and Na/K ATPase (1). The 23 ↑DEP were involved in the extracellular matrix (7), cytoskeleton (7), redox balance (2), neurite outgrowth (1), signal transduction (1), and others. Our findings support axonal degeneration as a characteristic feature of Shivers. Combined with histopathology, these findings are consistent with the known distinctive response of PC to injury where axonal changes occur without a substantial impact on PC soma.

Investigating the Effects of Retro Walking on Pain, Physical Function, and Flexibility in Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain

Objectives: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is described as pain whose pathoanatomical cause cannot be determined. The current study aims to evaluate the impact of retro-walking on pain, flexibility, and physical functions in patients with CNSLBP. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Physical Therapy Department of District Head Quarter Hospital Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan from September 2021 to March 2022. The trial was conducted on 36 patients, randomly divided into 2 groups of 18 patients. Conventional treatment and retro-walking were given to the experimental group and the conventional treatment alone was provided to the control group for 1 month with 3 sessions per week. The outcome variables were pain, the flexibility of hamstrings and lumbar region, and physical function assessed by numeric pain rating scale, sit and reach test, modified Schober test, and modified Oswestry disability index, respectively. The data were assessed at pre-treatment after the sixth and twelfth sessions. Results: This study showed a significant difference in the numeric pain rating scale, sit-and-reach test, and modified Oswestry disability index with a P<0.05 in both groups after intervention. However, in the group comparison, these variables showed better results in the retro-walking group compared to others with a P<0.001 after both the sixth and twelfth sessions. Discussion: The current study suggested that when added up to conventional treatment, retro-walking was more beneficial in reducing pain and enhancing the flexibility and physical function in patients with CNSLBP when compared to conventional treatment alone; therefore, it should be added to the treatment protocol for chronic non-specific pain in the lower back.

Multimodal Exercise in Older Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Undergoing First-Line Chemotherapy: A Case Series Examining Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy

Purpose. Exercise is emerging as an adjunct therapy to cancer treatment; however, its role in older patients with advanced pancreatic cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy is unclear. The aim of this study was to primarily provide evidence on feasibility with an exploratory examination of the initial efficacy of exercise in this clinical setting. Materials and Methods. Six patients aged 60–75 years with de novo or recurrent advanced pancreatic cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy consented to participate in twice-weekly exercise that included resistance and aerobic training and boxing-related activities for up to 12 weeks. Patients were monitored for attendance, adherence, and adverse events. Body composition, muscle strength, functional ability, patient-reported outcome measures, and patient-reported experience measures were assessed at baseline and/or postintervention. Results. Of the 6 patients, 1 withdrew after baseline testing and 5 attended 42%–95% of planned sessions and adhered to 28%–83% of the prescribed exercise. There were no serious exercise-emergent adverse events. All 5 patients increased or maintained lean mass (0.1%–4.4%) and 4 reduced fat mass (−0.4%–−8.6%). Improvements were observed in 4 or all 5 patients for muscle strength (7.1%–75%), 5 times sit-to-stand (1.3%–21.4%), 6-m backward walk (16.5%–35.8%), and patient-reported outcomes. Furthermore, all patients perceived exercise as very helpful in managing their cancer and expressed a strong willingness to continue exercise in the future. Conclusion. A multimodal exercise program appears feasible with potential physical and psychological benefits for older patients with advanced pancreatic cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy. Further research including a larger sample size is warranted.

The influence of backward versus forward locomotor training on gait speed and balance control post-stroke: Recovery or compensation?

Backward walking training has been reported to improve gait speed and balance post-stroke. However, it is not known if gains are achieved through recovery of the paretic limb or compensations from the nonparetic limb. The purpose of this study was to compare the influence of backward locomotor training (BLT) versus forward locomotor training (FLT) on gait speed and dynamic balance control, and to quantify the underlying mechanisms used to achieve any gains. Eighteen participants post chronic stroke were randomly assigned to receive 18 sessions of either FLT (n = 8) or BLT (n = 10). Pre- and post-intervention outcomes included gait speed (10-meter Walk Test) and forward propulsion (time integral of anterior-posterior ground-reaction-forces during late stance for each limb). Dynamic balance control was assessed using clinical (Functional Gait Assessment) and biomechanical (peak-to-peak range of whole-body angular-momentum in the frontal plane) measures. Balance confidence was assessed using the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale. While gait speed and balance confidence improved significantly within the BLT group, these improvements were associated with an increased nonparetic limb propulsion generation, suggesting use of compensatory mechanisms. Although there were no improvements in gait speed within the FLT group, paretic limb propulsion generation significantly improved post-FLT, suggesting recovery of the paretic limb. Neither training group improved in dynamic balance control, implying the need of balance specific training along with locomotor training to improve balance control post-stroke. Despite the within-group differences, there were no significant differences between the FLT and BLT groups in the achieved gains in any of the outcomes.

Forward and Backward Walking: Multifactorial Characterization of Gait Parameters

Although extensive literature exists on forward and backward walking, a comprehensive assessment of gait parameters on a wide and homogenous population is missing. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyse the differences between the two gait typologies on a relatively large sample. Twenty-four healthy young adults participated in this study. By means of a marker-based optoelectronic system and force platforms, differences between forward and backward walking were outlined in terms of kinematics and kinetics. Statistically, significant differences were observed in most of the spatial–temporal parameters, evidencing some adaptation mechanisms in backward walking. Differently from the ankle joint, the hip and knee range of motion was significantly reduced when switching from forward to backward walking. In terms of kinetics, hip and ankle moment patterns for forward and backward walking were approximately mirrored images of each other. Moreover, joint powers appeared drastically reduced during reversed gait. Specifically, valuable differences in terms of produced and absorbed joint powers between forward and backward walking were pointed out. The outcomes of this study could represent a useful reference data for future investigation evaluating the efficacy of backward walking as a rehabilitation tool for pathological subjects.

The reliability and validity of the 3-m backward walk test in people with Parkinson's disease.

People with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) lose the ability in backward walking which is an important part of mobility in daily life. The 3-m backward walk test (3MBWT) evaluates backward walking; however, its reliability and validity have not been examined in PwPD yet. To examine (1) the test-retest reliability of the 3MBWT in PwPD; (2) the minimum detectable change in the 3MBWT times; (3) the concurrent and known-groups validity of the 3MBWT; and (4) the optimum cutoff time which best discriminates fallers from non-fallers with Parkinson's disease (PD). This cross-sectional study included 36 PwPD and 33 healthy people. The 3MBWT was conducted with the 10-m walk test, timed up and go test, Berg Balance Scale, four square step test, activity-specific balance confidence scale, Movement Disorders Society Sponsored Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, and Hoehn and Yahr Scale. The 3MBWT demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.965). The MDC of 2.13s was determined. The 3MBWT had moderate to high correlations with the other outcome measures (correlation coefficient ranged from -0.592 to 0.858). On the 3MBWT times, there were significant differences between PwPD and healthy people, and between fallers and non-fallers with PD (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). A 3MBWT time of 10.31s was found to best discriminate fallers from non-fallers with PD. The 3MBWT is a reliable, valid, and easy to administer outcome measure to assess backward walking performance in PwPD, indicating it to be used in practice and research.

“Profiles of motor competence and its perception accuracy among children: Association with physical fitness and body fat”

The main goals of this study were to identify profiles in school-aged children based on actual Motor Competence (MC) and accuracy of Perceived Motor Competence (PMC) and to examine how children with different profiles differ in terms of Physical Fitness (PF) and Body Fat percentage (BF%). The MC of a total of 287 children (51.6% boys, aged between 6 and 10 years-old) was assessed using the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) instrument, and the accuracy of the PMC was measured using motor tasks (standing long jump, throwing, kicking, and walking backwards). PF and BF% were assessed using the 20m shuttle run test and TANITA, respectively. Cluster (C) analysis revealed four profiles, two of which were aligned – high MC-accurate PMC (C4) and low-inaccurate (C2), and two that were non-aligned – high-inaccurate (C1) and low-accurate (C3). Children in C4 performed better on PF and had less BF% than children in C3 and C2.

Backward Walking Training Induces Structural Changes in the Superior Cerebellar Peduncle: A Pilot Myelin Water Imaging Study

Background and Purpose Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease that is identifiable by the loss of myelin in the central nervous system (CNS), leading to motor decline. Our lab has shown that backward walking (BW) speed in addition to MRI measures may improve fall prediction for persons with MS (pwMS). Myelin Water Imaging (MWI), a novel technique for assessing the myelin microstructure, has not been examined in relation to BW. This study examines the impact of an 8-week BW training program on the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) utilizing MWI, as well as the relation of the change in the SCP to the change in function. Methods Eight individuals with relapsing-remitting MS participated in this pilot study. Participants completed functional tests and a 3T MRI before and after the 8-week intervention, consisting of treadmill and overground BW 1x/week and home exercises 2x/week. Falls were monitored for 6 months after the intervention. The MWI metrics, which included the Myelin Water Fraction (MWF) reflecting myelin content and the geomT2IEW reflecting axon size/packing density, were estimated from the SCP. T-tests were used to examine differences in SCP pre/post and Spearman correlations were used to examine relations among changes in SCP and changes in function. Due to the pilot nature of this study, effect sizes and rho values were prioritized. Results MWF and geomT2IEW values increased after training, with effect sizes of -0.16 and -0.53, respectively. The change in geomT2IEW was strongly correlated with improvements in balance measured with wearable sensors (r=0.61), BW speed (r=0.79), forward walking speed (r=0.52) and prospective falls at 6 months (r=0.46). Discussion Our pilot data suggests that BW training induces both structural (SCP) and functional (balance, gait, falls) changes over 8 weeks and shows potential for future larger-scale studies exploring efficacy. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease that is identifiable by the loss of myelin in the central nervous system (CNS), leading to motor decline. Our lab has shown that backward walking (BW) speed in addition to MRI measures may improve fall prediction for persons with MS (pwMS). Myelin Water Imaging (MWI), a novel technique for assessing the myelin microstructure, has not been examined in relation to BW. This study examines the impact of an 8-week BW training program on the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) utilizing MWI, as well as the relation of the change in the SCP to the change in function. Eight individuals with relapsing-remitting MS participated in this pilot study. Participants completed functional tests and a 3T MRI before and after the 8-week intervention, consisting of treadmill and overground BW 1x/week and home exercises 2x/week. Falls were monitored for 6 months after the intervention. The MWI metrics, which included the Myelin Water Fraction (MWF) reflecting myelin content and the geomT2IEW reflecting axon size/packing density, were estimated from the SCP. T-tests were used to examine differences in SCP pre/post and Spearman correlations were used to examine relations among changes in SCP and changes in function. Due to the pilot nature of this study, effect sizes and rho values were prioritized. MWF and geomT2IEW values increased after training, with effect sizes of -0.16 and -0.53, respectively. The change in geomT2IEW was strongly correlated with improvements in balance measured with wearable sensors (r=0.61), BW speed (r=0.79), forward walking speed (r=0.52) and prospective falls at 6 months (r=0.46). Our pilot data suggests that BW training induces both structural (SCP) and functional (balance, gait, falls) changes over 8 weeks and shows potential for future larger-scale studies exploring efficacy.

Ka mua, ka muri—Walking backwards into the future

INTRODUCTION: Spurred by critical reviews of Oranga Tamariki–Ministry for Children, Aotearoa New Zealand’s statutory child protection agency, and growing calls for services delivered “by Māori, for Māori, with Māori”, the New Zealand government is taking significant steps toward devolving responsibility for supporting the wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi, and whanau Māori from the Crown to Iwi and Māori social service providers. Frequently overlooked in discussions of Crown–Māori partnerships are community-based Māta Waka (pan-tribal) organisations, which provide a range of much-needed services to tamariki, rangatahi and whānau Māori who are not mana whenua. The purpose of this Kaupapa Māori research was to examine the expectations that kaimahi working for a Māta Waka Kaupapa Māori service provider have of other organisations that: 1) partner with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau Māori; and, 2) partner with Māta Waka. APPROACH: Drawing on findings from wānanga with kaimahi, this article illuminates the principles and values that guide their practice, using these as a foundation for exploring the complexities, challenges, and opportunities inherent in building effective partnerships with statutory child protection services on behalf of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau Māori across differences in mandate, power, world views, and guiding frameworks or tikanga Māori. IMPLICATIONS: The study findings have implications for current Crown–Māori partnership efforts and, by extension, for the wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau Māori.

Effect of Treadmill Backward Walking Training on Motor Capacity in Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Study

To evaluate treadmill backward walking training (BWT) effects on walking speed, balance, mobility, and walking endurance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The study evaluated 41 children with CP (age, 6-18; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I and II). They were randomly allocated into control and BWT groups. BWT was applied (two sessions/week, 15 min/session for 8-week) to BWT group after the neurodevelopmental-based physiotherapy program routinely followed by all participants while the control group did not receive BWT. 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT) were selected as outcome measures for assessing walking speed, balance, mobility and endurance respectively. In BWG, 2MWT distance (3.5%), PBS (3.5%) increased significantly, and TUG decreased by 5.1% (all p<0.001) after training, 10MWT was shorter by 6.1% for BWG, corresponding to 7.4% faster walking speed (p<0.01). Control group assessment variations were stationary and not statistically significant. Backward treadmill walking training induces small but statistically significant motor capacity improvements in children with CP.

Comparison of dual-task costs during different types of walking in people with Parkinson's disease: a controlled study.

Many of the activities in daily living require different walking skills such as straight walking (SW), walking with turning (WwT), curved walking (CW) or backward walking (BW) in a dual-task condition. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the dual task cost (DTC) during different types of walking. Therefore, this study was planned to compare the DTC during different types of walking in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) and healthy controls. Thirty-one PwPD and 31 healthy controls were included. Different types of walking were assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test for SW, the Timed Up and Go Test for WwT, the Figure-of-Eight Walk Test for CW, and the Three-Meter Backward Walk Test for BW. Walking assessments were performed in a single-task and a dual-task condition. The DTC on SW was the lowest in both groups. The DTC on WwT, BW, and CW were similar in healthy controls, whereas the order of the DTC on remaining walking types from lowest to highest was; WwT, BW, and CW in PwPD. Also, the DTC on WwT, BW, and CW were higher in PwPD than healthy controls. However, the DTC on SW was similar in PwPD and healthy controls. The DTC is different during SW, WwT, BW, and CW in PwPD. Therefore, walking type should be considered in studies investigating dual task walking in PwPD. Also, dual task exercises consisting of different types of walking should be included in rehabilitation programs of PwPD.

Effects of backward walking exercise using lower body positive pressure treadmill on knee symptoms and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a protocol for RCT

ObjectivesThe primary aim is to compare the effects of backward walking exercise to forward walking exercise on knee pain, knee functions, and thigh muscle strength in individuals with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis using lower body positive pressure, in addition to mobility functions, balance, and self-reported health status.MethodsThe study is a single blind randomized clinical trial with two independent groups. This study will enroll 26 participants with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. The participants will be randomized into either experimental group (backward walking exercise) or control group (forward walking exercise). Both groups will use lower body positive pressure treadmill for walking exercise. Both groups will perform regular conventional exercise and worm-up exercise before walking exercise. The treatment will be three times a week for six weeks. Walking session will be up to 30 min each session. Data collection will be collected during pre- and post- intervention including primary outcomes including numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), and thigh muscle strength test. The secondary outcomes include five times sit to stand test (FTSTS), 3-meter backward walk test (3MBWT), timed up and go test (TUG), four square step test (FSST), functional reach test (FRT), 10-meter walk test (10-MWT), six minute walk test (6MWT), medical outcomes study short form 12 (SF-12), patient health questionnaire -9 (PHQ-9), and rapid assessment of physical activity (RAPA). An independent t-test will be used to evaluate the effect of treatment on the outcome measures.ResultsNot applicable.ConclusionUsing lower body positive pressure may have promising results against knee osteoarthritis. Moreover, walking backward exercise using lower body positive pressure might add more benefits to individuals with knee osteoarthritis and help clinicians in decision making.Trial registration: This study was registered in ClinicalTrails.gov (ID: NCT05585099).

Retro walking treadmill training reduces C-reactive protein levels in overweight and obese young adults: A randomized comparative study.

Retro walking has been shown to acquire a greater metabolic cost, placing a higher cardiopulmonary demand on the body, when compared with forward walking at a similar speed. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of retro walking with that of forward walking on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) and to understand the influence of independent factors namely systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and BMI on CRP in untrained overweight and obese young adults. This was a randomised controlled trial whereby 106participants underwent either retro walking (n = 53) or forward walking (n = 53) treadmill training four times a week for 12 weeks before and after which CRP, BMI, and BP levels were measured. Comparison of the measured values before and after intervention and between the groups was done and influence of BMI and BP on CRP levels was determined. Both groups recorded a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in CRP, BMI, and BP levels postintervention. The participants who underwent retro walking training showed a significantly (p < 0.001) higher decrease in all the outcomes as compared with the forward walking group. C-reactive protein levels were seen to be influenced by BMI and DBP. Retro-walking training leads to greater decrease in CRP, BMI, and BP when compared with forward walking, andCRP levels are influenced by BMI and DBP. Retro walking treadmill training can be used preferentially to bring about reduction in cardiovascular risk factors.

Improving virtual reality navigation tasks using a haptic vest and upper body tracking

Haptic feedback is an important component of immersive virtual reality (VR) applications that is often suggested to complement visual information through the sense of touch. This paper investigates the use of a haptic vest in navigation tasks. The haptic vest produces a repulsive vibrotactile feedback from nearby static virtual obstacles that augments the user spatial awareness. The tasks require the user to perform complex movements in a 3D cluttered virtual environment, like avoiding obstacles while walking backwards and pulling a virtual object. The experimental setup consists of a room-scale environment. Our approach is the first study where a haptic vest is tracked in real time using a motion capture device so that proximity-based haptic feedback can be conveyed according to the actual movement of the upper body of the user.User study experiments have been conducted with and without haptic feedback in virtual environments involving both normal and limited visibility conditions. A quantitative evaluation was carried out by measuring task completion time and error (collision) rate. Multiple haptic rendering techniques have also been tested. Results show that under limited visibility conditions proximity-based haptic feedback generated by a wearable haptic vest can significantly reduce the number of collisions with obstacles in the virtual environment.

Effectiveness of Home Based Telerehabilitation for Forward Versus Backward Stepping Strategy in Ground Walking Training on Functional Mobility and Balance Among Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy-- A Simple Experimental Study

Background: The primary focus of physiotherapy interventions for children with CP is to improve locomotor function and functional activities. It is suggested that walking training activates neural circuits that mediate central pattern generators to activate limb muscles repetitively and produced rhythmic movements. Additionally, it adjusts control between agonist and antagonist muscles, leading to enhanced walking speed, and static and functional balance. The purpose of the study is to find out the effectiveness of home based telerehabilitation for forward stepping vs backward stepping strategy in ground walking training on functional mobility and balance among spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Methodology: A simple experimental study was conducted on 24 spastic diplegic cerebral palsy who fulfill the selection criteria were selected for this study at the telerehabilitation Unit. A clear explanation was given to every subject and parents/guardian about the procedures and a written consent was obtained from them. Twenty spastic diplegic children were evaluated in person in the department for pre-training and post-training were used as a study design with total study duration was six weeks. (from April 2021 to May 2021). The subjects in group A&amp;B were consisting of 12 subjects and they were treated with home based telerehabilitation for forward and backward ground walking training. Along with that both the group children received routine physiotherapy. Both the groups were received intervention for 15-30 minutes per session, 5 days in a week for a period of 6 weeks. The pre and post score values of balance and functional mobility were measured by using, GMFM walking dimension, modified timed get up and go test and Pediatric Berg balance scale. The values were recorded and documented. Result: In the statistical analysis of pretest values of both group A and group B were calculated. The pre mean values of PBS for both groups were 33.33 and 33.38. The T-value was 0.3721 the obtained t-value is lesser than the table value and the P-value showed there were no significant in pretest comparison. The posttest mean values of PBS for both groups were 46.08 and 46.33.The T-value was 2.38967,the obtained t-value is greater than the table value. and the P-value showed there were significant in posttest comparison. Alternative hypothesis was accepted. Hence the statistical report states that there were statistically significant differences in posttest comparison. The post score values of the Gross Motor Function Meaure-88, Pediatric Berg Balance Scale and TUG test score in all the variables showed significant difference. Conclusion: The study concluded that the 6 weeks of backward stepping strategy in ground walking home based telerehabilitation training program along with regular physiotherapy treatment showed statistically significant improvement in balance and functional mobility among spastic diplegic children when compared to forward stepping strategy in ground walking home based telerehabilitation training program.

Effectiveness of backward walking with functional electrical stimulation on the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior for patients with chronic stroke.

Backward walking is considered as a newly rising method used to enhance gait abilities, but evidence remains unclear. To identify whether backward walking with functional electrical stimulation (FES) triggered by a foot switch on the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior could be effective in improving gait parameters of stroke survivors. This was a cross-sectional study that included fourteen subjects with chronic stroke. Three walking conditions were performed at random: backward walking with FES attached onto the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior (RF+TA), backward walking with FES attached onto the tibialis anterior (TA only), and without electrical intervention (non-FES). The Zebris was used to assess the spatiotemporal gait parameters. Each condition was measured three times and the average value was used for analysis. Results showed significant increases in gait speed, cadence, step length, mid-stance percentage, maximal force in the affected midfoot (p < 0.05), and significant decreases in the double stance phase in the RF+TA condition compared to the TA only and the non-FES conditions (p < 0.05). Functional electrical stimulation to the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior during backward walking could be a clinically effective method to improve gait ability of stroke survivors.

The Effect of Retro Walking Training on Dynamic Balance in Sedentary Individuals with Hearing Impairment

The study analyzed the possible effects of retro walking exercise techniques on the skill of balance in hearing impaired individuals. The study is a quasi-experimental study and the single group pretest-post-test design among the experiment models was used. The study groups was applied a retro walking exercise for eight weeks. 25 hearing impaired students participated in the study, who had not engaged in any sports branches previously, in the 13-17 age group and did not have any neurological and orthopedical diseases in the last 6 months as the study group. In order to measure dynamic balance, the ‘Techno Body ProKin Balance Measurement Device’ was used. At the end of the eight week exercise program, the same measurements were taken again and the development level within the group was assessed. The descriptive statistics, arithmetic averages and standard deviation values of the participants’ age, height, weight and hearing impairment percentages were determined. It was analyzed whether the data displayed normal distribution. Since it was seen that the data displayed normal distribution, the Paired Sample t-test was done. As a result of the study, it was seen that there was a significant difference between the pretest, post-test mean ranks of the participants’ both feet, right and left feet perimeter length (PL) (p.05). It was seen that this difference was in favor of the post-test when the mean ranks and totals of the scores were taken into consideration. It was seen that there was a significant difference between left foot MECAP pretest and post-test mean ranks as well (p.05). In addition a significant difference was also found between both feet and right foot MECML values’ pretest, post-test mean ranks (p.05). The results of the study showed that the retro walking exercise program is effective in hearing impaired individuals in terms of improving their dynamic balance skill. Through the findings, it can be said that the use of different, efficient and safe exercise methods such as retro walking should be given importance to for hearing impaired individuals to be more active and do efficient and safe exercises.

TOXIC SYMPTOMS IN WISTAR STRAIN RATS ON SINGLE AND REPEATED DOSAGE FROM THE EXTRACT OF RED BETEL LEAF (Piper crocatum) AS A TOXICITY TEST OF PERIODONTAL POCKET THERAPY

Red betel leaf (Piper crocatum) is one of the potential medicinal plants known to have properties to cure various diseases. The main components of betel leaf exhibit antiseptic, bactericidal, and antioxidant effects. The betel leaf was concentrated into an essential oil containing the antiseptic chemical. The antibacterial power of betel leaf essential oil is due to the content of phenolic compounds and their derivatives that can denature bacterial cell proteins, so it was considered to have potential as a material that could develop for periodontal therapy. After going through the stages of toxicity testing and repeated dose in terms of mortality, changes in body weight, and relative organ index of Wistar strain rats, the study continued to observe the effects that occurred after using single and repeated doses of 100, 400, and 1000 mg/kg BW in vivo using red betel leaf extract with the parameters of observing the behavior of rats studied for 14 days. Observation of the behavior of the test animals on toxic symptoms at each visit consisted of motor activity, straub phenomenon, piloerection, ptosis, corneal reflex, pineal reflex, lacrimation, vasodilation, catalepsy, dangling, reestablishment, walking backwards, circular walking, flexion, haffner, writhing, grooming, tremor, body shaking, vocalizations, urination, defecation, heart rate, salivation, mortality, posture, and breath changes before and after dosing for 14 days. From the observations, the analysis of the data obtained is primary data. Primary data in the form of qualitative data was obtained from data on effects that occurred after the rats were given a dose. After processing the data, the data is presented in tabular and narrative form based on the observations by showing the test dose used, the number of animals showing a toxic effect, the time of onset of a toxic effect and the percentage of animals in a group showing a toxic result. Based on the results of the study, red betel leaf extract with doses of 100, 400, and 1,000 mg/kg BW which was observed on the first and 14th days, did not cause toxic symptoms in all groups of rats, both on single administration and repeated administration for 14 days.

Comparing the effects of retro and forward walking on serum adiponectin levels in obese young adults

ObjectivesRetro walking or backward walking expends greater energy and places less stress on joints compared with forward walking at a similar speed. This study conducted in obese young men was primarily aimed at comparing the effects of backward walking with forward walking on adiponectin levels. The secondary aim was to describe the effects of concomitant factors, namely C-reactive protein, body mass index (BMI), waist to height ratio, and waist to hip ratio, on adiponectin levels in obese young men. MethodsIn this randomized comparative study, 102 participants underwent either retro walking or forward walking treadmill training four times a week for 12 weeks before and after which adiponectin, C-reactive protein, BMI, waist to height ratio, and waist to hip ratio were measured. Comparison of the measured values before and after intervention and between the groups was done, and the influence of C-reactive protein, BMI, waist to height ratio, and waist to hip ratio on adiponectin levels was determined. ResultsAdiponectin levels were significantly increased (p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein, BMI, waist to height ratio, and waist to hip ratio were significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.001) post-intervention. The participants who underwent retro walking training showed a significantly higher change in C-reactive protein levels, BMI, and waist to hip ratio compared to the forward walking group (p < 0.001). Adiponectin levels were influenced by BMI (p < 0.001). ConclusionRetro walking training leads to a greater increase in adiponectin and reduction in C-reactive protein, BMI, waist to height ratio, and waist to hip ratio compared to forward walking, and adiponectin levels are influenced by BMI. Retro walking treadmill training can be preferentially used to decrease cardiovascular risk factors.

Motion Analysis of Balance Pre and Post Sensorimotor Exercises to Enhance Elderly Mobility: A Case Study.

Quantitative assessment of movement using motion capture provides insights on mobility which are not evident from clinical evaluation. Here, in older individuals that were healthy or had suffered a stroke, we aimed to investigate their balance in terms of changes in body kinematics and muscle activity. Our research question involved determining the effects on post- compared to pre-sensorimotor training exercises on maintaining or improving balance. Our research hypothesis was that training would improve the gait and balance by increasing joint angles and extensor muscle activities in lower extremities and spatiotemporal measures of stroke and elderly people. This manuscript describes a motion capture-based evaluation protocol to assess joint angles and spatiotemporal parameters (cadence, step length and walking speed), as well as major extensor and flexor muscle activities. We also conducted a case study on a healthy older participant (male, age, 65) and an older participant with chronic stroke (female, age, 55). Both participants performed a walking task along a path with a rectangular shape which included tandem walking forward, right side stepping, tandem walking backward, left side stepping to the starting location. For the stroke participant, the training improved the task completion time by 19 s. Her impaired left leg had improved step length (by 0.197 m) and cadence (by 10 steps/min) when walking forward, and cadence (by 12 steps/min) when walking backward. The non-impaired right leg improved cadence when walking forward (by 15 steps/min) and backward (by 27 steps/min). The joint range of motion (ROM) did not change in most cases. However, the ROM of the hip joint increased significantly by 5.8 degrees (p = 0.019) on the left leg side whereas the ROMs of hip joint and knee joint increased significantly by 4.1 degrees (p = 0.046) and 8.1 degrees (p = 0.007) on the right leg side during backward walking. For the healthy participant, the significant changes were only found in his right knee joint ROM having increased by 4.2 degrees (p = 0.031) and in his left ankle joint ROM having increased by 5.5 degrees (p = 0.006) during the left side stepping.