Elite Runners & Walkers

"Backward running has been the focus of several investigations in our laboratory. ....  backward running results in:

• A more erect posture during performance

• Reduced range of motion at the hip joint with greater flexion and lesser extension

• Increased active / functional range of motion at the knee joint

• A combination of maximum knee extension with hip flexion

• Elimination of eccentric knee joint flexion, i.e., the knee joint exhibits greater flexion at touchdown followed by a nearly isometric / fixed position during initial stance

• Toe-heel foot contact patterning

• Modification of lower extremity muscular activity