Effects of visual referencing on backward and forward treadmill walking in VR environments

Backward walking is used increasingly as a rehabilitation exercise for stroke and diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients to improve strength balance. However, it unclear how visual referencing affects backward forward walking. In this study, we evaluated spatiotemporal gait characteristics changes due while backward/forward Sixteen healthy young participants were recruited in study. All walked 2 min with without the virtual reality environment. While faced screen similar walking, but their treadmill belt direction of movement was reversed. at preferred speed. We found that reference affected symmetry step length (p < 0.05) width 0.001). increased variability 0.001) COM side excursions 0.01) also base support through 0.02). had significantly double time reduced swing does not predispose slip trip risk, thereby, foot contact velocity 0.0001) clearance 0.0001). The findings study will help understand effects enables clinicians design patient-centered exercises.