Backward Running

Backward running (BR) is a form of locomotion that occurs in short bursts during many overground field and court sports.

It has also traditionally been used in clinical settings as a method to rehabilitate lower body injuries. Comparisons between BR and forward running (FR) have led to the discovery that both may be generated by the same neural circuitry.

The acute effects of BR display unique cardiorespiratory and biomechanical responses compared to FR. While BR appears to be demanding on the cardiorespiratory system and require high total activation of lower limb muscles it has been shown to display less mechanical strain on the knee joint when compared to FR.

Comparisons of the acute responses to FR reveal that BR is characterised by a smaller ratio of braking to propulsive forces, increased step frequency, decreased step length, increased muscle activity and reliance on isometric and concentric muscle actions.

Research suggests that implementing BR into longitudinal athletic training programs is associated with decreased injury prevalence, increased lower limb strength and improved change of direction performance.