Exploring the effects of walking backwards on Senior High School Students of De La Salle University

• Main Authors: Alvaran, Maria Gabrielle R., Catolico, Francesca Anne Denise C., Roxas, Jeroen M., Saripe, Brendan James S.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2023
• Subjects: ankle mobility; backward walking; balance; range of motion; strength
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2023/paper_fnh/3; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/conf_shsrescon/article/1772/viewcontent/PP_FNH_Alvaran_Catolico_Roxas_Saripe___Brendan_James_Saripe.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

The current pandemic has led to numerous health issues, including decreased public physical activity. To address this, it is vital to maintain and improve the physical condition of the general public. Backward walking is a simple exercise used in rehabilitation and various sports such as football, tennis, and basketball. This study examines the effects of a low-intensity but high-frequency intervention of backward walking on balance, strength, and ankle mobility. The data was collected from Grade 12 students at De La Salle University Laguna Campus and analyzed using various statistical techniques such as standard t-test, paired t-test, and descriptive statistics. Results indicate significant improvement in Modified Berg Balance Scale (p = <0.001, t = 7.45), Toe-to-wall Lunge in both left (p = 0.001, t = 3.50) and correct (p = <0.001, t = 3.78) ankles, and Stair Rise Power Test values based on a 0.61 increase in mean repetitions. Backward walking was more efficient for improvements in the Modified Berg Balance Scale than forward walking (p = 0.001, t = 6.174). Forward and backward walking demonstrated equal improvements in Chair Rise Test values (p = 0.001, t = -0.13295). These findings suggest that backward walking can be a beneficial exercise for improving balance, strength, and ankle mobility.