Consideration of Cerebral Cortex Activity Due to Difference in Backward Walking Speed

Abstract

[Purpose] Backward walking is often used as a means of gait acquisition and fall prevention. It is said that the brain activity in areas associated with motion increases as the speed increases with forward walking. We hypothesized that backward walking also increases brain activity as walking speed increases. We therefore examined changes in cerebral cortex activity resulting from different backward walking speeds. [Subjects and Methods] 10 healthy adults were measured for backward walking on a treadmill using functional near infrared spectroscopy. The speed was set at 66%, 50%, and 33% of comfortable backward walking speed. [Results] Increases in brain activity in areas associated with motion were seen at all speeds, but increased more at 66% and 33% compared with 50%. [Conclusion] Backward walking also causes brain activity to increase in areas associated with motion in the same way as forward walking. In addition, because the degree of brain activity varies depending on the difference in backward walking speed, it was thought that it was necessary to consider it when deciding the treatment program.