Backward walking alters vastus medialis oblique/vastus lateralis muscle

What is it about?

This study aims to examine the effect of backward walking (BW) and forward walking (FW) on the myoelectric activity ratio of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO)/vastus lateralis (VL) in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The participants were divided into two groups as those with unilateral PFPS (PFPS group, n=20) and healthy controls (Control group, n=20). Surface electromyography (EMG) from VMO and VL muscles were collected during FW and BW at a speed of 3 km/h using the Myomonitor® IV EMG system. This study showed that the BW increases the VMO muscle activation and preserve the ideal VMO/VL ratio in PFPS patients. Therefore, clinicians should consider BW training when developing rehabilitation programs for females with PFPS.

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Photo by Frank Busch on Unsplash

Photo by Frank Busch on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The onset of peak patellofemoral joint reaction force (JRF) occurs later in stance phase during BW compared to FW,[19] and the peak patellofemoral JRF is lower during backward running compared to forward running at the same speed.[20] There is also emerging evidence suggesting the valuable use of BW in the rehabilitation of patients with knee joint dysfunction and pain reduction, improved function, and increased knee extensor strength have been shown after the integration of BW into the rehabilitation protocol of patients with PFPS. A few studies have investigated the differences in muscular activation patterns of the knee muscles during BW in mainly healthy populations. There is still a gap in the literature regarding the activation pattern of lower limb muscles in individuals with PFPS in BW versus FW. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the myoelectric activity ratio of the VMO/VL in females with PFPS in two walking conditions.

Perspectives