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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2014 pp 176-179

Research Article

Effect of forward and backward walking on aerobic capacity and endurance

Ashwini A. Kale¹, Sunita D. Chavan²

Academic Editor: Dr. Aher K. R.

Aim of the study: Which way of walking, Backward v/s Forward is more optimum to attain more Heart rate (HR) and desired Heart rate maximum (HR max) at lesser speed and lesser grade of treadmill walking. Objective: To compare the difference in heart rate when walking forward and walking backward at 5% grade and at a speed of 4 km/hr and to compare the mean Heart rate maximum of both forward and backward walking. Methodology: 10 subjects were made to walk on treadmill at 0% grade at 2 km/hr for 3 minutes. Then the grade is increased to 5% and speed to 4 km/hr. The subject was asked to walk for 6 minutes period. At the end of 6 minutes the subject is asked to hold the sensor and the Heart rate is recorded and HR max is calculated after the completion of forward and backward walking. Results: Using ‘t’ test (15.365) a statistically significant difference found between Heart rate of Forward walking and Backward walking. Percent Heart rate maximum of backward walking [73.23%] attained percentage heart rate maximum as prescribed by “American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines” and it is significantly more than forward walking [58.07%]. Conclusion: Backward walking on a treadmill at 4 km/hr and a grade of 5% elicits greater percent Heart rate maximum than forward walking under the same conditions, expected to improve aerobic endurance.