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By Cari Haus On January 30, 2009
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A kitten's prayer
Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Love the ones who don’t just because you can. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Kiss slowly. Forgive quickly. God never said life would be easy. He just promised it would be worth it.
By Cari Haus On January 28, 2009
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Are people who deliberately choose to walk backward just, well, backward? Or is there some reason for reverse locomotion? Why is backward walking is so popular in China that people actually have to worry about smacking into each other as they cruise down sidewalks at high rates of speed—in reverse?
The answer is found in the action of backward walking itself. Like forward walking (and unlike running), backward walking is an activity in which the walker always maintains at least some contact with the ground. There is no “airborne” phase. As a result, the force to the body at impact is minimal in comparison to jogging or running.
This is particularly helpful to individuals with stress fractures, injured knees, or similar challenges. As a result, walking backward is a viable way to maintain or improve cardiovascular fitness without risking further force-related trauma to the lower extremities.
Some of the muscles utilized when walking backward are different than those used in forward locomotion. For example, walking backward requires a reduced range of motion for knee joints (e.g. reduced length of stride) and the hamstring muscles are “pre-stretched” prior to loading. The force of impact is less, the foot contact pattern is markedly different, and even the lower extremity kinematic pattern varies from that involved in forward locomotion.
Backward walking is more work than forward walking, raising the heart rate more quickly and burning more calories. If you are too self-conscious to try it in public, there is always your living room—as walking backwards requires very little space.
By Cari Haus On January 28, 2009
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This is a listing or bibliography of scientific studies done on backwards running, for your further consideration in pursuing this fascinating topic:
Backward running bibliography
J.W. Mackie, T.E. Dean, Running backward training effects on upper leg musculature and ligamentous instability of injured knee, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 1984.
B. Bates, E. Morrison, J. Hamill, A comparison between forward and backward running, The Olympic Scientific Congress Proceedings - Biomechanics, Eugene (Usa/Oregon) 1986.
C.W. Amstrong, P. Spyropoulos, F. Andres, A comparison of ground reaction forces in backward and forward running, presented at the American Alliance for Health Physical Education. Recreation and Dance annual meeting, Cincinnati (Usa/Ohio) 1986.
P. Apor, J. Dubecz, T. Horbobagyi, Running backward uphill: its biomechanics and clinical application, proceedings of the Fifth Meeting of the European Society of biomechanics, Berlin (Germany) 1986.
Strazar-Saunders, J. Patricia, The effect of backward running on hamstring strength and forward running speed, thesis - University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis (Usa/Indiana) 1986.
T. Michaud, F.F. Andres, J.A. Rodriguez-Zayas, Physiological and perceptual responses to retro running and walking, Msse, 1987.
J. Stribling, Support leg joint moments of force during backward running at two different speeds, thesis - Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (Usa/Illinois), 1988.
P. Devita, J. Stribling, Lower extremity joint kinetics and energetics during backward running, Med Sci Sports Exercise, 1991.
T.W. Flynn, R.W. Soutas-Little, Mechanical power and EMG activity about the knee in forward and backward running, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 13:259, 1991.
T.W. Flynn, R.W. Soutas-Little, Patello-femoral joint compressive forces during forward and backward running, Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, 23:4 Supplement, S6, 32, 1991.
T.W. Flynn, R.W. Soutas-Little, Mechanical power and muscle action during forward and backward running, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1993.
M.J. Satterfield, K. Yasumura, S.H. Abreu, Retro runner with ischial tuberosity enthesopathy, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1993.
Sprague, S. Edwin, Relationship between forward and backward running speed while wearing a lateral protective knee brace, thesis - Ball State University, 1994.
T.W. Flynn, R.W. Soutas-Little, Patello-femoral joint compressive forces during forward and backward running, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1995.
Steinley, Maurie Shawn, Quadriceps activation with backward running, thesis - St. Cloud State University, 1995.
Wright, Seth, Turning the other cheeks: insights into the cost of locomotion from backward running, thesis - Harvard University, 1995.
B. Dawson, Hamstring strains: could backwards running be a panacea?, Sport Medicine Australia National conference, Canberra (Australia) 1997.
A. Hodgkinson, The energetics and cardiopulmonary responses to backwards walking and running, Human Biology Final Year Project, 1997.
H.N. Williford, M.S. Olson, S. Gauger, W.J. Duey, D.L. Blessing, Cardiovascular and metabolic costs of forward, backward and lateral motion, Medicine Science Sports Exercise, 1998.
T.W. Flynn, P.R. Cavanagh, H.J. Sommer, J. Derr, Relationships among age, tibial width, late menarche, and tibial bone quality, Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise; 30:5 Supplement S47, 266, 1998.
M. Oates, An investigation of ankle joint motion in football umpires during backwards and forwards running, Honours Thesis Abstract, 1999.
A. Arata, Kinematic and Kinetic Parameters of High Speed Backward Running, Doctoral dissertation, University of Oregon, 1999.
M. De Smidt, E. Terblanche, The effect of training on the cardio-respiratory function of young women during backward running on a treadmill, XXVII Annual Congress of the Physiology Society of Southern Africa, Stellenbosch (South Africa) 1999.
T. Croy, L. Cross, N. Jopke, J. Weingarten, T. Flynn, D. Christie, P. Osmon, F. Underwood, Development of a backward walking maximal oxygen consumption test, Physical Therapy, 79:5 S46, 1999.
Bibliography on backward walking
B.T. Bates, S.T. McCaw, A comparison between forward and backward walking, proceedings of the North American Congress on Biomechanics: Human Locomotion IV, Montreal (Canada) 1986.
A. Thorstensson, How is the normal locomotor program modified to produce backward walking?, Experimental Brain Research, 1986.
P.Y. Shuck, D.S. Childress, Comparative analysis of forward and backward walking and stepping, proceedings of the X Annual Conference of Resna, 1987.
T. Michaud, F.F. Andres, J.A. Rodriguez-Zayas, Physiological and perceptual responses to retro running and walking, Msse, 1987.
D.A. Winter, N. Pluck, J.R. Yang, Backward walking, Motor Behavior, 1989.
C.W. Amstrong, J.M. Commanger, S. Wooley, A comparative analysis of forward and backward walking, The Sixth Annual East Coast Gait Conference, Michigan State University, East Lansing (Usa/Michigan) 1990.
D. Eilam, G. Shefer, Reversal of interleg coupling in backward locomotion implies a prime role of the direction of locomotion, The Journal of Experimental Biology Volume, 1992.
T.W. Flynn, S.M. Connery, M.A. Smutok, R.J. Zeballos, I.M. Weisman, Comparison of cardiopulmonary responses during forward and backward walking and running in normals, Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, 25:5 Supplement S186, 1046, 1993.
T.W. Flynn, R.W. Soutas-Little, Comparison of mechanical power and muscle activity during forward and backward walking, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1994.
E.M. Health, Effects of backward walking as a training technique on cardiorespiratory fitness, electromyographie activity, and lower limb movements patterns, 1994.
D.J. Cipriani, C.W. Amstrong, S. Gaul, Backward walking at three levels of treadmill inclination: an electromyographic and kinematic analysis, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1995.
G. Myatt, R. Baxter, R. Dougherty, G. Williams, J. Halle, D. Stetts, F. Underwood, The cardiopulmonary cost of backward walking at selected speeds, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1995.
J. Duysens, A.A. Tax, L. Murrer, V. Dietz, Backward and forward walking use different patterns of phase-dependent modulation of cutaneous reflexes in humans, J. Neurophysiol, 1996.
J.R. Blackwell, Effect of backward walking on cardiorespiratory fitness and biomechanical efficiency of movement, University of San Francisco Faculty Development Research Funds, 1996.
E.C. Chaloupka, J. Kang, M.A. Mastrangelo, M.S. Donnelly, Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during forward and backward walking, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1997.
E.M. Heath, J.R. Blackwell, K.W. Kornatz, U.C. Baker, D.R. Smith, Effects of backward walking training on selected cardiorespiratory parameters, presented to the American College of Sports Medicine, 1997.
J. Hill, J. Ortel, K. Houck, J. Vondruska, (F. Underwood, A. Kelly, T. Metzler), Effect of six week backward walking regimen on maximal oxygen consumption and blood lactate levels, 1997.
F.F. Andres, C.D. Mc, Auley, M. Miller, J. Mc, Millian, Estimated oxygen consumption or retro-locomotion, Msse, 1997.
E. Clarkson, S. Cameron, P. Osmon, C. McGraw, M. Smutok, D. Stetts, F. Underwood, Oxygen consumption, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion in young adult women during backward walking at different speeds, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1997.
J. Childs, J. Payne, D. Higgins, C. Gantt, F. Underwood, R. Franklin, T. Metzler, The effect of repeated bouts of backward walking on biomechanical efficiency, in review with the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1997.
A. Hodgkinson, The energetics and cardiopulmonary responses to backwards walking and running, Human Biology Final Year Project, 1997.
T.W. Croy, J.L. Weingarten, L.R. Cross, N.H. Jopke, T.W. Flynn, D. Christie, P.M. Osmon, Development of a backward walking maximal oxygen consumption test, manuscript submitted to Journal of Orthopaedic and sports Physical Therapy, 1998.
R.W. Van Deursen, T.W. Flynn, J.L. McCrory, E. Morag, Does a single control mechanism exist for both forward and backward walking?, Gait Posture, 1998.
R. Grasso, L. Bianchi, F. Lacquaniti, Motor patterns for human gait: backward versus forward locomotion, Journal Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1998.
N.A. Tolani, R. Kram, Biomechanics of backward walking, International Society of Biomechanics Congress, 1999.
J.A. Vilensky, J.A. Cook, J.L. Cooper, Stumbling corrective responses in healthy human subjects to rapid reversal of treadmill direction, Electromyogr Kinesiol, 1999.
Y.P. Ivanenko, R. Grasso, F. Lacquaniti, Influence of leg muscle vibration on human walking, J. Neurophysiol, 2000.
Lamb, Tania, J.F. Yang, Could different directions of infant stepping be controlled by the same locomotor central pattern generator?, J. Neurophysiol, 2000.
C. Schneider, B.A. Lavoie, C. Capaday, On the origin of the soleus H-reflex modulation pattern during human walking and its task-dependent differences, J. Neurophysiol, 2000.
M. Gross, The rehabilitation implications of forward and backward walking.
D. Yoshimoto, T. Mohr, A. Palmgren, J. Frappier, An EMG study of quadriceps and hamstrings activity during forward and backward walking.
H.D. Day, V.J. Goins, Veering in women inconsistency of forward and backward progression.
E.C. Chaloupka, J. Kang, M.A Mastrangelo, M.S. Donnelly, Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during forward and backward walking.
M.G. Carpenter, A. Bellos, A.E. Patla, Is backward stepping over obstacles achieved through a simple temporal reversal of forward stepping?
K. Verfaillie, Perceiving human locomotion priming effect in direction discrimination.
Takashi Yokoi, Akihiko Takahashi, Makoto Muraoka, Chieko Fujita, Self-organized transition of the leg motion in the learning process of a locomotion.
Visually impaired persons: forward and backward walking.
Bibliography on backward movements (studies with animals)
L. Smith, Mutable and immutable motor patterns for different cyclical tasks of the cat hindlimb, Dept. Physiological Science, University of California, Los Angeles (Usa/California).
J.A. Vilensky, J.A. Cook, Do quadrupeds require a change in truck posture to walk backward?
J.A. Buford, R.F. Zernicke, J.L. Smith, Adaptive control for backward quadrupedal walking. I. Posture and hindlimb kinematics.
J.A. Buford, J.L. Smith, Adaptive control for backward quadrupedal walking. II. Hindlimb muscle synergies.
J.A. Buford, J.L. Smith, Adaptive control for backward quadrupedal walking. III. Strumbling corrective reactions and cutaneous reflex sensitivity.
J.A. Buford, K.L. Perell, R.J. Gregor, J.L. Smith, Adaptive control for backward quadrupedal walking. IV. Hindlimb kinetics during stance and swing.
J.A. Buford, C.A. Pratt, J.L. Smith, Adaptive control for backward quadupedal walking. V. Mutable activation of bifunctional thigh muscles.
R.J. Dooling, M.H. Searcy, Forward and backward auditory masking in the parakeet.
M.A. Ashley-Ros
s, G.V. Lauder, Motor patterns and kinematics during backward walking in the pacific giant salamander: evidence for novel motor output, J. Neurophysiol, 1997.
By Cari Haus On January 28, 2009
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Backward running offers the following advantages over forward running:
1. Better oxygenation (84% VO2 in backward running vs. 60% VO2 in forward running)
2. Cardiovascular system increases (184 pl/mn vs. 162 pl/mn)
3. Higher burn (one third) more calories than forward running
4. Develops considerable balance, velocity, and stamina
5. Works more quadriceps than forward running
6. Reduces the ground impact
7. Promotes a greater flexibility of the body, and
8. Reduces the risk of injury.
By Cari Haus On January 28, 2009
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“If you have never tried backwards running, you are just a one-directional runner, a half a runner, a mobility conservative runner, hardly even a runner at all.” runtheplanet.com
By Cari Haus On January 28, 2009
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- Flynn T.W., et.al., Comparison of cardiopulmonary responses to forward and backward running. Med. Sci. Sports Exer. 26:89-94, 1994.
- Winter D.A., Pluck N. and Yang J.F., Backward walking: a simple reversal of forward walking? J. Mot Behav. 21: 219-305, 1989.
- Grasso R., Bianchi,L. and Lacquanti F. Motor patterns for human gait: Backward versus forward locomotion. J Neurophysiol. Oct; 80(4):1868-85.1998.
- Arata A.W. Kinematic and kinetic evaluation of high speed backward running. Air Force Academy Colorado Springs, Colorado USA
By Cari Haus On January 27, 2009
1 Comment
Recently, I was diagnosed with a.a.a.d.d. -
age activated attention deficit disorder.
This is how it manifests itself:
I decide to water my garden.
As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I head towards the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I picked up from the mail man earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the recycling box under the table, and notice that the recycling box is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the recycling first.
But then I think, since I’m going to be near the mailbox when I take out the recycling paper anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my check book off the table, and notice that there is only one check left.
My extra checks are in my desk in the study,
so I go inside the house to my desk where
I find the cup of coffee I’d been drinking.
I’m going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the coffee aside so that I don’t accidentally knock it over.
The coffee is getting cold, and I decide to make another cup.
As I head toward the kitchen with the cold coffee, a vase of flowers on the worktop catches my eye - the flowers need water.
I put the coffee on the worktop and discover my reading glasses that I’ve been searching for all morning.
I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I’m going to water the flowers.
I put the glasses back down on the worktop, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the tv remote control. Someone left it on the kitchen table.
I realise that tonight when we go to watch tv, I’ll be looking for the remote, but I won’t remember that it’s on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back where it belongs, but first I’ll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.
So, I put the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill.
Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.
At the end of the day:
the car isn’t washed,
the bills aren’t paid,
there is a cold cup of coffee sitting on the counter,
the flowers don’t have enough water,
there is still only 1 check in my check book,
I can’t find the remote,
I can’t find my glasses,
and I don’t remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I’m really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I’m really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem, and I’ll try to get some help for it, but first I’ll check my e-mail….
Please do me a favor… forward this message to everyone you know, because I don’t remember who I’ve sent it to.
Don’t laugh - if this isn’t you yet, your day is coming!!
By Cari Haus On January 26, 2009
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If a packet hits a pocket on a socket on a port, and the bus is interrupted at a very last resort, and the access of the memory makes your floppy disk abort, then the socket packet pocket has an error to report.
If your cursor finds a menu item followed by a dash, and the double-clicking icon puts your window in the trash, and your data is corrupted cause the index doesn’t hash, then your situation’s hopeless and your system’s gonna crash!
If the label on the cable on the table at your house, says the network is connected to the button on your mouse, but your packets want to tunnel to another protocol, that’s repeatedly rejected by the printer down the hall…
And your screen is all distorted by the side effects of gauss, so your icons in the window are as wavy as a souse; then you may as well reboot and go out with a bang, ‘cuz sure as I’m a poet, the sucker’s gonna hang.
When the copy on your floppy’s getting sloppy in the disk, and the macro code instructions are causing unnecessary risk, then you’ll have to flash the memory and you’ll want to RAM your ROM, and then quickly turn off the computer and be sure to tell your Mom!
Well, that certainly clears things up for me. How about you?
