Effectiveness of Backward Walking Training In Improving Balance In Elderly Population

Balance is defined as the ability to maintain an upright posture during both static and dynamic tasks. Maintaining Balance involves a complex interaction between intrinsic factors that include peripheral, visual, and vestibular sensation and muscle factors, as well as the interplay between the neural network and motor output, that are processed and mediated centrally. All of these factors are affected by normal aging processes.The Patterns of muscle use change as an individual ages. Strength and power decline, and the speed of neural processing and number of sensory receptors both decrease. These changes result in alterations to both volitional and reflexive motion because neural processing and sensory receptors are major contributors to effective control of postural balance. Backward walking Training to improve stride length and dynamic balance is a more recent application.Backward walking training is benefited for balance performance among high risk of fall. It improves training and Rehabilitation compared to Forward walking,Backward walking training is recommended toimprove Balance,Stride length,Gait and quality of life .The participants will be recruited according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will be explained about the procedure of the study and upon their individual’s willingness informed consent will be obtained. Later, participants will be alloted into two groups (Interventional and control group) by random allocation. The participants of interventional group will be given therapy as backward Walking training for specific metres and period of 8 day of treatment. Control group will be given conventional balance exercises such as Marching onspot , tandem standing and tandem walking. Participants will be expected to follow this protocol for the 2-week time period.  The participants will be tested Pre and post test using the following outcome measure-Berg balance scale, Dynamic gait Index