Backward Walking Induces Significantly Larger Upper-Mu-Rhythm Suppression Effects Than Forward Walking Does

Studies have compared the differences and similarities between backward walking and forward walking, and demonstrated the potential of backward walking for gait rehabilitation. However, current evidence supporting the benefits of backward walking over forward walking remains inconclusive. Considerin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2020-12, Vol.20 (24), p.7250
Main Authors: Lin, Nan-Hung, Liu, Chin-Hsuan, Lee, Posen, Guo, Lan-Yuen, Sung, Jia-Li, Yen, Chen-Wen, Liaw, Lih-Jiun
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
backward walking
Cerebral cortex
Electrodes
Electroencephalography
electroencephalography rhythms
Fitness equipment
Gait
gait rehabilitation
Humans
movement-related cortical potentials
Noise
Rehabilitation
Rhythm
Sensorimotor Cortex - physiology
Signal processing
Statistical tests
treadmill
Walking
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Summary:Studies have compared the differences and similarities between backward walking and forward walking, and demonstrated the potential of backward walking for gait rehabilitation. However, current evidence supporting the benefits of backward walking over forward walking remains inconclusive. Considering the proven association between gait and the cerebral cortex, we used electroencephalograms (EEG) to differentiate the effects of backward walking and forward walking on cortical activities, by comparing the sensorimotor rhythm (8-12 Hz, also called mu rhythm) of EEG signals. A systematic signal procedure was used to eliminate the motion artifacts induced by walking to safeguard EEG signal fidelity. Statistical test results of our experimental data demonstrated that walking motions significantly suppressed mu rhythm. Moreover, backward walking exhibited significantly larger upper mu rhythm (10-12 Hz) suppression effects than forward walking did. This finding implies that backward walking induces more sensorimotor cortex activity than forward walking does, and provides a basis to support the potential benefits of backward walking over forward walking. By monitoring the upper mu rhythm throughout the rehabilitation process, medical experts can adaptively adjust the intensity and duration of each walking training session to improve the efficacy of a walking ability recovery program.
ISSN:1424-8220
1424-8220
DOI:10.3390/s20247250