Forward and Backward Walking Exercise on Physical and Cognitive Functions

Acute Effect of Forward and Backward Walking Exercise on Physical and Cognitive Functions

To investigate the acute effects of forward and backward walking exercise on physical functions such as static and dynamic balance and cognitive functions such as attention, concentration, memory, processing speed, visual structuring skills, calculation and orientation.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Healthy Volunteers
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Backward walking; Other: Forward walking

Detailed Description

This study is planned to investigate the acute effects of forward and backward walking on physical functions such as static and dynamic balance and cognitive functions such as attention, concentration, memory, processing speed, visual structuring skills, calculation and orientation. 50 healthy individuals were randomly divided into three groups for the study. The groups were divided into Backward Walking Exercise Group (GYE) (n=17), Forward Walking Exercise Group (FWE) (n=16) and Control Group (CG)(n=17). Before treatment for all three groups; sociodemographic and clinical data with the sociodemographic information form, physical activity levels with the International Physical Activity Survey Short Form, pain severity with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), fatigue levels with the Borg Scale, the person's selective attention capacity and skills, processing speed and general executive processing abilities. Stroop Test with TBAG Form to evaluate executive functions such as working memory, complex attention, planning and set shifting, with Trail Making Test, evaluation of dynamic balance, neuromuscular control and movement asymmetries with Y-Balance Test, static balance, postural stability evaluation on One Leg It was evaluated with the Standing Test. The GYE group completed a 25-minute backward walking exercise session, the FWE group completed a 25-minute forward walking exercise session, and the control group completed a 30-minute sitting rest between evaluation tests. After the exercises, there were significant differences in parameters such as attention, processing speed, concentration and maintenance of attention, working memory, planning, static and dynamic balance, and in the comparison between groups, significant differences were found in static balance and postural control (p<0.05). It was observed that individuals in the backward walking group showed better improvements in some parameters after walking. However, these results need to be supported by future studies.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 50

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey
  • Kagıthane
    • Istanbul, Kagıthane, Turkey
      • Istanbul Atlas University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy university students aged 18-25 years were included in the study, excluding physically active individuals according to the International Physical Activity Scale Short Form.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• To be between the ages of 18-25,
• To be able to communicate verbally and in written Turkish,
• Not complaining of pain in any part of the body during physical activity,
• Performing a normal walking pattern without compensatory movements.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants participating in a routine exercise program
• History of upper or lower extremity pathology or injury in the last 6 months
• Diagnosed neurological disease
• Diagnosed cognitive impairment
• Having a diagnosed orthopedic disease
• Using a walking aid
• Inadequate cardiovascular fitness
• Dyspnea on exertion
• Contraindication to walking
• Receiving medical treatment that causes imbalance.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

3

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
Backward walking exercise group; Healthy subjects aged 18-25 years were included in the study. Cognitive and physical function assessments were performed face-to-face by a physiotherapist before and after backward walking exercise. In addition, assessments during the exercise were performed by the same physiotherapist. Assessments were made immediately before and immediately after the walking exercise. All assessments were supervised by the physiotherapist.	Other: Backward walking; The exercises consisted of a 5-minute warm-up on a treadmill followed by a 25-minute period of moderate backward walking.
Forward walking exercise group; Healthy subjects aged 18-25 years were included in the study. Cognitive and physical function assessments were performed face-to-face by a physiotherapist before and after forward walking exercise. In addition, assessments during the exercise were performed by the same physiotherapist. Assessments were made immediately before and immediately after the walking exercise. All assessments were supervised by the physiotherapist.	Other: Forward walking; The exercises consisted of a 5-minute warm-up on a treadmill followed by a 25-minute period of moderate forward walking.
Control group; Participants did not perform any walking exercise. Cognitive and physical function assessments were performed before and after the assessment tests, with 30 minutes of rest in between.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Stroop Test TBAG Form	Stroop Test TBAG Form was used to assess executive functions such as attention, memory, concentration, visual structuring skills, computational working memory, planning, visual scanning ability.	immediately pre and immediately post-exercise
Trail Making Test	The Trail Making Test was used to assess executive functions such as working memory, complex attention, planning and set switching, visual-spatial processing and motor abilities. The Trail Making Test consists of two parts, A and B.	immediately pre and immediately post-exercise
Y-Balance Test	Y-Balance Test was used to evaluate dynamic balance, neuromuscular control and movement asymmetries.	immediately pre and immediately post-exercise
One Leg Standing Test	One-leg Standing Test was used to assess static balance.	immediately pre and immediately post-exercise

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form	The IPAQ Short Form was used to determine the physical activity levels of the participants.	pre-assessments
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS)	This scale scores from 0 to 10. Higher scores indicate worse pain.	immediately pre and immediately post-exercise
Borg Fatigue Scale	It was used to determine the level of fatigue perceived by individuals before, during and after completing walking exercises.	immediately pre-exercises, during exercise and immediately post-exercise
Oxygen Saturation	In the study, saturation values were measured by pulse oximetry before, during and after exercise by the same physiotherapist.	immediately pre-exercises, during exercise and immediately post-exercise
Blood Pressure Assessment	Blood pressure assessment was performed with a syphinguometer.	immediately pre and immediately post-exercise

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Atlas University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): November 7, 2023
• Primary Completion (Actual): December 15, 2023
• Study Completion (Actual): February 1, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: September 17, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 17, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): September 19, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): September 20, 2024
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 19, 2024
• Last Verified: September 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: aerobic exercise; cognitive functions; backward walking
• Other Study ID Numbers: edaserenkarakaya

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No