A quirky workout method is gaining traction on social media, promising relief for joint discomfort and a boost in postural health, requiring nothing more than a treadmill and a bit of coordination.
The practice of reverse treadmill walking has caught the attention of both fitness enthusiasts and everyday gym-goers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Advocates of the method report enhanced balance and stability, reduced risk of injuries, and alleviation of knee pain.
In a widely viewed TikTok video, Chayse Byrd documented her commitment to walking backwards on a treadmill for five minutes daily over a month. Eight months into her journey, Byrd celebrated a notable increase in the mobility of her knees and ankles with her sizable online audience.
Byrd’s experience reflects a larger movement online. Under the hashtag “#walkbackwards” on TikTok, over four million views feature individuals sharing their experiences and the positive effects of their inverted walking routines, including strengthening of the knees and injury prevention.
Yet the question remains: Is there substance behind these social media testimonials, and is backward treadmill walking a practice you should consider? Here’s an exploration of the trend.
The Advantages of Reverse Ambulation
Reverse ambulation, commonly known as walking backwards, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, according to Nancy R. Kirsch, DPT, PhD, from Rutgers University. Kirsch highlighted its significance in enhancing balance, a key factor in preventing falls.
Ashley Rawlins, a physical therapist, emphasized that this unconventional method of walking challenges your body’s equilibrium, encouraging the development of greater stability.
Backward walking isn’t just a fitness fad; it’s a tried-and-true technique in physical therapy, especially beneficial for those recovering from neurological conditions such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease, Kirsch pointed out.
Karen P. Hamill, a physical therapist at UCLA Health, mentioned that walking in reverse is an excellent way to balance out the predominantly forward movement in daily life. It activates different muscle groups, fostering strength and reducing the risk of injury.
Research also supports the notion that backward walking can be particularly helpful for knee health. A 2019 study indicated that it could enhance muscle strength in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as runner’s knee.
In another study from the same year, participants with knee osteoarthritis experienced improved knee function and less pain after engaging in a six-week regimen of walking backwards, as opposed to traditional forward walking or standard physiotherapy.
Runners might find backward walking or jogging especially beneficial, as Hamill suggests. It provides a respite for tight hip flexors and calves, facilitates a fuller range of hip extension, and strengthens the glute muscles.
Navigating Reverse Treadmill Walking
When it comes to walking backwards, a treadmill is your safest option, according to Kirsch, as it minimizes the risk of tripping hazards.
Before you start, Kirsch suggests setting the treadmill to a conservative pace of 0.5 miles per hour. Only when you’ve gained confidence in your backwards stride should you consider a speed boost. If you’re teetering or feel unstable, Hamill advises, it’s crucial to slow down.
Hamill emphasizes the importance of engaging your core muscles during this exercise to support your spine. She also advises that deliberate, large steps taken backwards or sideways are more beneficial than a fast pace.
For those new to this exercise, Hamill recommends holding onto the treadmill’s handrails and having a spotter nearby. She also cautions against distractions, such as watching television or listening to music during your initial attempts. Rawlins adds that individuals with balance-related medical conditions should preferably undertake this exercise under supervision in a rehabilitation facility.
In case of an emergency, Hamill points out the value of having an emergency stop cord within reach.
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique of walking backwards, Kirsch encourages adding an incline to intensify the workout for greater muscle strengthening and endurance building.
Kirsch also notes that duration isn’t a barrier to benefits; even short intervals of reverse walking can contribute positively to your exercise regimen.
Related Links:
- Backward walking alters vastus medialis oblique/vastus lateralis muscle activity ratio in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Effect of 6-week retro or forward walking program on pain, functional disability, quadriceps muscle strength, and performance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial (retro-walking trial)
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