Effect of 6-week retro or forward walking program on pain, functional disability, quadriceps muscle strength, & performance in individuals with knee
Effect of 6-week retro or forward walking program on pain, functional disability, quadriceps muscle strength, and performance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis
In open kinetic chain exercises, the distal segment of the lower limb is free to move during movement.
In contrast, the distal segment of the lower limb is fixed during the closed kinetic chain exercises.
The closed kinetic chain exercises are closely related to the activities that we performed in daily life and more functional in nature. In addition, closed kinetic chain exercise could also improve joint proprioception, muscle strength, and balance. Walking is a closed kinetic chain exercise program which allows initiation of weight bearing and early mobilization in knee rehabilitation.
Regular walking exercises are beneficial, and it is recommended to reduce pain and disability in people with knee OA.
Retro walking is considered an effective closed kinetic chain exercise to improve lower muscles strength and the equilibrium of the human body
The retro walking program is effective in reducing pain and improving function, quadriceps muscle strength, and performance.
Biomechanically, muscles around ankle and knee reversed their action during retro-walking. In retro-walking, knee gives the primary power producer with co-contraction of quadriceps and hamstring and ankle plantar flexors works as shock absorber . In retro-walking, shear force at knee joint directed anteriorly whereas it moves posteriorly in forward walking. Additionally, retro-walking causes significantly reduced patellar compressive force than forward walking. It is well known that physical exercise in the form of walking is cost-effective, accessible, and effective in reducing cardio-vascular disease, obesity, and symptoms of depression
In this study, a three-arm single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial and intention to treat analysis was conducted in outpatient physiotherapy department. Sixty-eight individuals with knee OA participated.
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The participants in the retro or forward walking group completed 10 min of supervised retro or forward walking training in addition to usual care, 3 days/week for 6 weeks. The control group received a routine physiotherapy program.
This program comprises a combination of closed and open kinematic chain exercises, including straight leg raising, isometric quadriceps, isometric hip adduction, terminal knee extension, semi-squat, and leg press.
Conclusion:
The 6-week retro walking program compared with forward walking or control groups resulted in greater reduction in pain and functional disability and improved quadriceps muscle strength and performance in individuals with knee OA.
Reference:
Effect of 6-week retro or forward walking program on pain, functional disability, quadriceps muscle strength, and performance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial (retro-walking trial)
Ahmad H. Alghadir,Shahnawaz AnwerEmail authorView ORCID ID profile,Bibhuti Sarkar,Ashis K. Paul andDilshad Anwar
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2019 20:159