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Forward and Backward Walking Exercise on Physical and Cognitive Functions

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

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06604416
Enrollment
50
Registered
2024-09-19
Start date
2023-11-07
Completion date
2024-02-01
Last updated
2024-09-20

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Healthy Volunteers

Keywords

backward walking, aerobic exercise, cognitive functions

Brief summary

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.

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.

Interventions

The exercises consisted of a 5-minute warm-up on a treadmill followed by a 25-minute period of moderate forward walking.

The exercises consisted of a 5-minute warm-up on a treadmill followed by a 25-minute period of moderate backward walking.

Sponsors

Atlas University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

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.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Stroop Test TBAG Formimmediately pre and immediately post-exerciseStroop Test TBAG Form was used to assess executive functions such as attention, memory, concentration, visual structuring skills, computational working memory, planning, visual scanning ability.
Trail Making Testimmediately pre and immediately post-exerciseThe 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.
Y-Balance Testimmediately pre and immediately post-exerciseY-Balance Test was used to evaluate dynamic balance, neuromuscular control and movement asymmetries.
One Leg Standing Testimmediately pre and immediately post-exerciseOne-leg Standing Test was used to assess static balance.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Blood Pressure Assessmentimmediately pre and immediately post-exerciseBlood pressure assessment was performed with a syphinguometer.
Oxygen Saturationimmediately pre-exercises, during exercise and immediately post-exerciseIn the study, saturation values were measured by pulse oximetry before, during and after exercise by the same physiotherapist.
International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Formpre-assessmentsThe IPAQ Short Form was used to determine the physical activity levels of the participants.
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS)immediately pre and immediately post-exerciseThis scale scores from 0 to 10. Higher scores indicate worse pain.
Borg Fatigue Scaleimmediately pre-exercises, during exercise and immediately post-exerciseIt was used to determine the level of fatigue perceived by individuals before, during and after completing walking exercises.

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026