Effect of Backward Walking on Isokinetic Muscular Function, Low Back Pain Index and Lumbosacral Angle in Unilateral Exercise Athletes

Background/Objectives: Backward walking can be used as an exercise therapy program for prevention of low back pain. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of backward walking on isokinetic muscular function, low back pain index and lumbosacral angle in unilateral exercise athletes. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The subjects are 25 (age 21.37 ± 2.06 years, height 171.85 ± 4.12 cm, weight 71.97 ± 5.74 kg, exercise career 7.03 ± 1.95 years, pain duration was 6.05 ± 0.75 months) unilateral exercise athletes (golf, bowling and shooting player). Backward walking was performed with a frequency of three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday), by 60 minutes at a time for 10 weeks. Comparison of related variables before and after backward walking was verified by paired t-test. Findings: The present study shows that extensor and flexor of lumbar were significantly increased after backward walking. Lumbosacral angle was significantly decreased after walking back. In addition, low back pain index such as VAS and VRS were each showed a significant decrease. Application/Improvements: In conclusion, backward walking represents that it improves muscle strength of the lumbar vertebra and reduces the lumbosacral angle and appeared to reduce the pain of the lumbar vertebra showing that the exercise program can be used in the prevention of low back pain.