Forward and Backward Walking Exercise on Physical and Cognitive Functions

Atlas University50 enrolled

Overview

To investigate the acute effects of forward and backward walking exercise on physical functions such as static and dynamic balance and cognitive functions such as attention, concentration, memory, processing speed, visual structuring skills, calculation and orientation.

This study is planned to investigate the acute effects of forward and backward walking on physical functions such as static and dynamic balance and cognitive functions such as attention, concentration, memory, processing speed, visual structuring skills, calculation and orientation. 50 healthy individuals were randomly divided into three groups for the study. The groups were divided into Backward Walking Exercise Group (GYE) (n=17), Forward Walking Exercise Group (FWE) (n=16) and Control Group (CG)(n=17). Before treatment for all three groups; sociodemographic and clinical data with the sociodemographic information form, physical activity levels with the International Physical Activity Survey Short Form, pain severity with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), fatigue levels with the Borg Scale, the person's selective attention capacity and skills, processing speed and general executive processing abilities. Stroop Test with TBAG Form to evaluate executive functions such as working memory, complex attention, planning and set shifting, with Trail Making Test, evaluation of dynamic balance, neuromuscular control and movement asymmetries with Y-Balance Test, static balance, postural stability evaluation on One Leg It was evaluated with the Standing Test. The GYE group completed a 25-minute backward walking exercise session, the FWE group completed a 25-minute forward walking exercise session, and the control group completed a 30-minute sitting rest between evaluation tests. After the exercises, there were significant differences in parameters such as attention, processing speed, concentration and maintenance of attention, working memory, planning, static and dynamic balance, and in the comparison between groups, significant differences were found in static balance and postural control (p\<0.05). It was observed that individuals in the backward walking group showed better improvements in some parameters after walking. However, these results need to be supported by future studies.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Healthy Volunteers

Interventions

Forward walkingOTHER

The exercises consisted of a 5-minute warm-up on a treadmill followed by a 25-minute period of moderate forward walking.

Backward walkingOTHER

The exercises consisted of a 5-minute warm-up on a treadmill followed by a 25-minute period of moderate backward walking.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 25 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * To be between the ages of 18-25, * To be able to communicate verbally and in written Turkish, * Not complaining of pain in any part of the body during physical activity, * Performing a normal walking pattern without compensatory movements. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants participating in a routine exercise program * History of upper or lower extremity pathology or injury in the last 6 months * Diagnosed neurological disease * Diagnosed cognitive impairment * Having a diagnosed orthopedic disease * Using a walking aid * Inadequate cardiovascular fitness * Dyspnea on exertion * Contraindication to walking * Receiving medical treatment that causes imbalance.

Locations (1)

Istanbul Atlas University

Istanbul, Kagıthane, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Stroop Test TBAG Form

Stroop Test TBAG Form was used to assess executive functions such as attention, memory, concentration, visual structuring skills, computational working memory, planning, visual scanning ability.

Time frame: immediately pre and immediately post-exercise

Trail Making Test

The Trail Making Test was used to assess executive functions such as working memory, complex attention, planning and set switching, visual-spatial processing and motor abilities. The Trail Making Test consists of two parts, A and B.

Time frame: immediately pre and immediately post-exercise

Y-Balance Test

Y-Balance Test was used to evaluate dynamic balance, neuromuscular control and movement asymmetries.

Time frame: immediately pre and immediately post-exercise

One Leg Standing Test

One-leg Standing Test was used to assess static balance.

Time frame: immediately pre and immediately post-exercise

Secondary Outcomes

International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form

The IPAQ Short Form was used to determine the physical activity levels of the participants.

Time frame: pre-assessments

The Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

This scale scores from 0 to 10. Higher scores indicate worse pain.

Time frame: immediately pre and immediately post-exercise

Borg Fatigue Scale

It was used to determine the level of fatigue perceived by individuals before, during and after completing walking exercises.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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