Did you know that walking backwards can benefit our health? A recent article written by a professor of Clinical exercise physiology at the University of East London (UK) and replicated by the BBC listed the fruits that the execution of “crabbing” practices can bring.
On the one hand, we must bear in mind that changing the direction of our steps requires more attention, it means a challenge for our brain.
On the other hand, we must not forget that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends doing 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week.
6 benefits of walking backwards
According to Jack McNamarathe professor who originally wrote the article for The Conversation, the first thing to know is that standing requires coordination between our visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems.
When we walk backwards, the brain takes longer to process the additional coordination demands of these systems, bringing with it “health benefits.”
The first two advantages are the stability and balance. McNamara says that walking backwards improves our normal gait, i.e. our forward walking.
When he mentions that it promotes balance, he is referring to both healthy adults and those with knee osteoarthritis.
The next two benefits have to do with the improvement of muscular endurance and reduction of the load on the joints. This is due to the fact that when we walk backwards we take shorter and more frequent steps.
Two more advantages are pain relief for conditions like plantar fasciitis and the benefits for people with chronic low back pain.
The first can occur when walking changes or slopes are added and the second has to do with the postural changes we have when walking backwards.
“extra” benefits.
The energy expenditure for walking backwards is 40% greater than for walking forward (provided you maintain the same speed). In this sense, a study that proved it running or jogging backwards can help maintain a healthy weight.
The research found that there were temporary reductions in fat in people who completed a six-week gait or running backwards training program.
In turn, running backwards can be a tool rehabilitation and injury preventionas it increases the strength of the muscles that help straighten the knee.
Source: Clarin
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.