Walking is always healthy but have you thought of walking backwards and its benefits? What happens if someone stop walking on auto-pilot and start challenging the brains and bodies by walking backwards?
A new study said that when one walk backwards, it takes longer for the brains to process the extra demands of coordinating these systems. However, this increased level of challenge brings with it increased health benefits.
Several studies have shown that backward walking improves stability and balance. It improves forward gait (how a person walks) and balance for healthy adults and those with knee osteoarthritis. This kind iof walking leads to shorter, more frequent steps, leading to improved muscular endurance for the muscles of the lower legs while reducing the burden on our joints.
The studies also confirm that changes in incline or decline alter the range of motion for joints and muscles, offering pain relief for conditions such as plantar fasciitis – one of the most common causes of heel pain.
The postural changes brought about by backward walking also use more of the muscles supporting the lumbar spine – suggesting backwards walking could be a particularly beneficial exercise for people with chronic lower back pain.
Walking backwards can also help to identify and treat balance and walking speed in patients with neurological conditions or following chronic stroke.
While normal walking can help maintain a healthy weight, reverse walking is seen more effective. Energy expenditure when walking backwards is almost 40 percent higher than walking at the same speed forwards , the studies said.
