Abstract
[Purpose] The objectives of this study were to investigate the dynamics of blood oxygen in the brain in the performance of various walking styles. [Subjects] The subjects were 70 healthy young adults. [Method] The dynamics of blood oxygen in the brain were measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The tasks on the treadmill were forward and backward walking in the standing and kneeling positions. [Results] The right prefrontal cortex, the right premotor cortex, and the supplementary motor area were significantly activated in backward walking compared to forward walking. In addition, the left sensorimotor area and the somatosensory area were significantly activated in the kneeling position compared to the standing position. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the patterns of brain activation might be different in different positions and directions of walking, and, the kneeling position or backward walking might have more pronounced treatment effects than others.
