This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of gaits parameters and muscle activity during backward gait. After measurement of the maximum voluntary contraction of each muscle, the forward and backward gait of 15 healthy adult females were evaluated. During backward compared with forward gait, the gait velocity, cadence, and step and stride lengths as gait parameters significantly decreased, while the durations of the stance and swing phases, as well as the double-support period, markedly increased. The muscle activity levels of the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior during the stance phase and that of the biceps femoris during the swing phase significantly increased, while that of the biceps femoris during the stance phase markedly decreased. Based on these results, the velocity and cadence under the influences of distance- and time-related factors may decrease and consequently improve their stability during backward compared to forward gait. Backward gait also showed differences from forward gait in the muscle activity level during a gait cycle, revealing its kinematic characteristics.
