Impact of Backward Running training on Sprinting velocity, dynamic balance and agility performance in Football Players – A Randomized controlled trail

INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: - Backward running also known as retro running or reverse running, is a form of locomotion where an individual moves backward, opposite to the usual forward motion. This activity can be performed in various contexts, including sports, fitness training, and rehabilitation. While backward running might seem unconventional, it has gained some popularity as an exercise for its potential benefits. Some proponents argue that it can help improve balance, agility, and coordination, as well as engage different muscle groups compared to forward running. Backward running drills are sometimes incorporated into football training for players. These drills aim to enhance specific skills and attributes that can be valuable on the field. Here are some reasons why backward running might be included in a football player’s training regimen:

1. Agility and balance  Backward running can improve a player’s agility and balance. Football requires quick changes in direction, and training backward running helps players become more agile on their feet.

2. Defensive skills:- Defenders, in particular, may benefit from backward running as it can help them maintain sight of the ball and the attacker while moving backward. This skill can be useful when retreating to defend against an on coming opponent.

3. Reactive skills: Backward running drills can improve a player’s ability to react quickly to changes on the field. This is essential for defensive players who need to respond rapidly to offensive moves. The use of BR has been recommended in adult sports training programs because of its ability to improve power output while concomitantly reducing stress on the knee joint compared with FR  . Backward running (BR) has been a popular rehabilitation and training routine or program to improve coordination, endurance, muscular balance and strength. BR routines have also been used to enhance forward running (FR) performance  .

Backward running is characterized by a greater flexion of the knee during initial contact with the ground and a greater extension during the last phase of contact with the ground than the forward running. In these phases, the knee undergoes a reduced flexion during the backward running compared to that expected during the forward running. These data indicate that the knee is stiffer during the backward running. A study by Cavagna et al. [2002] discussing increased leg stiffness during BR supports this suggestion. Backward running (BR) is a form of locomotion that occurs in short bursts during many overground field and court sports. It has also traditionally been used in clinical settings as a method to rehabilitate lower body injuries. Comparisons between BR and forward running (FR) have led to the discovery that both may be generated by the same neural circuitry. Comparisons of the acute responses to FR reveal that BR is characterized by a smaller ratio of braking to propulsive forces, increased step frequency, decreased step length, increased muscle activity and reliance on isometric and concentric muscle actions. These biomechanical differences have been critical in informing recent scientific explorations which have discovered that BR can be used as a method for reducing injury and improving a variety of physical attributes deemed advantageous to sports performance. This includes improved lower body strength and power, decreased injury prevalence and improvements in change of direction performance following BR training  . However, participation in sports also entails a risk of injury for all athletes, from the elite to the recreational level. Studies from Scandinavia document that sports injuries constitute 19% of all acute injuries seen in emergency departments, and the most common types are knee and ankle injuries. Serious knee injuries, such as injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, are a growing cause of concern. The highest incidence is seen in adolescents playing pivoting sports such as football, basketball, and team handball. Before starting a protocol firstly a pretest would be done using a T-test for agility testing and Y balance test for checking dynamic balance. After that a warm up exercises would be given which consist of the following  :- • Skipping • Squats • Light jog • Backward running • Forward running with knee lifts and heel kicks • Sideways running • Forward running with trunk rotations • Speed run All this Warm-up protocol would be given for 20 minutes total.

NEED FOR STUDY: • Many injuries happen in football players due to weak muscle and less flexibility in muscles. • Strength is also a major factor that is required in running backward. • Running backward is a valuable skill that used by football players to defend their goal or to mark an opponent, or maintain their position on field. • Running backward is a skill that requires better agility, control, dynamic balance. • So, there’s a need to study Backward running in football players.