Forward and backward walking share the same motor modules and locomotor adaptation strategies.

ABSTRACT: Forward and backward walking are remarkably similar motor behaviors to the extent that backward walking has been described as a time-reversed version of forward walking. However, because they display different muscle activity patterns, it has been questioned if forward and backward walking share common control strategies. To investigate this point, we used a split-belt treadmill experimental paradigm designed to elicit healthy individuals' motor adaptation by changing the speed of one of the treadmill belts, while keeping the speed of the other belt constant. We applied this experimental paradigm to both forward and backward walking. We analyzed several adaptation parameters including step symmetry, stability, and energy expenditure as well as the characteristics of the synergies of lower-

SUBMITTER: Zych M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8405989 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature