Walking Backwards

[Lopsided]

T+ 4 weeks, 2 days. My operated leg will support my weight comfortably for 10 seconds or so. Balance exercises, lateral stepping and walking backwards added to the rehab programme. I might as well just train the Kali footwork matrix! I had a Malaysian Kung Fu instructor once who said one step backwards is worth a thousand steps forwards - ever tried using the eliptical trainer in reverse?

Recently, in my afternoon walks, some days, I walk backwards. Not the entire way, but for more than a kilometre. It is not particularly difficult, but a bit disconcerting when I stop or slow down.

The reason I did it: In the hydrotherapy, that I did from the start, the fist exercises are walking forwards followed by walking backwards. So I assume that walking backwards out of water is also beneficial. I cannot really tell if it has got any real beneficial effect.

So I am interested when Gary writes about walking backwards too.

Does anyone know about the specific effects of walking backwards? Is it particularly good therapy or not really? Is there any research about it?

[littleb]

Don't know about research but I know it was easier than walking forward unaided when I started. Walking sideways was easier as well. Tomorrow will be 8 weeks for me.

[Dayton96]

Dan:

I'm in physical therapy right now for my knee.  Once the knee is stabilized, I will have my hip resurfaced.  The PT has me walking backwards on a treadmill for about 10 minutes, in addition to other exercises, including (torture) stretching.  I notice that several guys in physical therapy with me, for various knee injuries, are also walking backwards on the treadmill.  The PT has also recommended that I walk backwards and forwards at the pool.  One side benefit of all this is, my hip has more flexibility than it did prior to the physical therapy.  The hip is still stiff, but I can actually tie my shoe again (just barely). 

Mac   

[Lopsided]

Thank you Mac.

And good luck with all your treatment.

Dan

[Joe Maui]

Walking backwards is awesome! Feels strange but good. Good for the brain!