Analysis of the Center of Pressure during Continuous Backward Walking on Treadmill

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarity the characteristics of the center-of-pressure (COP) trajectory during continuous backward walking on treadmill. [Participants and Methods] Thirteen healthy students walked backwards on a treadmill with a foot pressure distribution measurement and analysis system beneath the belt for 30 minutes. Using the obtained foot pressure data, we calculated the durations of the stance and single-leg support phases based on the COP trajectory from heel-ground contact to takeoff. Subsequently, we estimated the amounts of variation in the anteroposterior and lateral directions at the intersection point of the COP trajectory. We also calculated the stride length and cadence as temporal distance factors. [Results] During backward walking, there were significant increases in the duration of the single-leg support phase and amounts of variation in both the anteroposterior and lateral directions. [Conclusion] When walking backwards, the single-leg support phase prolongs, and the stride length decreases, possibly to maintain stability by adjusting the step length.