History of Backward Running

Backwards, forwards, what's the difference? It just depends on which way you are facing. True, if you are standing still. Now try to run. You'll be fully aware of the differences after your first few steps.

If you have never tried backwards running, you are just a one-directional runner, a half a runner, a mobility conservative runner, hardly even a runner at all. Running is the new "it" in moving backwards. You think we are joking, but we are not. Running backwards has its own philosophy. Its own reasons why those forward runners are going "against nature".

Who are we to judge? Our goal is to provide as much running information as possible, and yes, we have even participated in a backwards running race. We don't want to be unambidextrous like the rest of you. Read on, and maybe you might just change your mind. And your direction.

Backward running, backward walking, and retropedaling are developing and quickly becoming more popular in all parts of the world. The popularity of backwards running can be traced back to the American pioneers of this new and different way of running. From the beginning of the century great names such William Muldoon, Gene Tunney, Bill Robinson, Ed Schultz and others, used backward running in their training regime. But it was not until the 1980's that backwards running began its real development and began gaining popularity.

Gary Gray has used backward running and backward walking as techniques of rehabilitation in his private hospitals for the past twenty years and has found great success with these techniques. The professor Barry Bates was one of the first pioneers to not only practice backwards running techniques but to also publish his findings. These very publications have been reproduced and reprinted by countless media sources. The doctor Robert K. Stevenson published the first book on the subject of backwards running in 1981 and particularly interesting is the book "Backwards Running". Ron Austin was also one of the great protagonists of backwards running for the United States of America for many years.

At the same time in France, Christian Grollé began an effort to make athletes and trainers aware of the numerous benefits of this new way of running. Even with the efforts of many pioneers it would not be until the 1990's before the development would gain momentum in all parts of the world. At first in Italy, where Stefano Morselli became one of the greatest protagonists of "corsa all'indietro". He repeatedly won the races of Prato (near Florence) and Poviglio (near Parma). For India, Arvind Pandya, is also one of the great retrorunners. He ran backwards across America, Los Angeles to New York, in 107 days (18 August/3 December 1984).

But it is the new millennium that will see the beginning of a new fashion developing a little in the whole world. Like jogging which in the 1970's spread through the planet, "retrorunning" (backwards running) could indeed during the next decade conquer the world. In March 2000, backward-running.com (no longer in service) was launched and offered, for the first time, the beginning of a global vision for the development of backward running. New medical publications, resulting essentially from United States, continue to make therapists, sportsmen and trainers alike aware of this method of running. At present athletes in numerous sports (football, basketball, tennis, athletics, fitness, and so on) utilize backwards running in their training.

Hundreds of persons in the United States begin backwards running because of its numerous and appreciable benefits: better oxygenation (84% VO2 in backward running vs. 60% VO2 in forward running); cardiovascular system increases (184 pl/mn vs. 162 pl/mn); it burns one third more calories than forward running; it develops considerable balance, velocity and stamina; it works more quadriceps than forward running; it reduces the ground impact; it promotes a greater flexibility of the body; and it reduces the risks of injuries. The benefits are so numerous that new books will not delay being published on the subject.

An athletic stadium is the ideal place to begin backwards running. Alternate backwards running and forward running (for example 400 metres in backward running, jump some moments on the spot to recuperate, and 400 metres in forward running, jump some moments on the spot, and begin again). Backward running, backward walking and retropedaling are additional ways to run, to walk, to pedal to the forward motion.

The universe, nature, the human body, the animals, matter itself work essentially on alternate rhythms of contraction and expansion, expiration and inspiration, of ebb and stream. So by learning to alternate systematically backward running and forward running in your training you will get more, in accordance with great universal rhythms. Like the waves of the ocean this perpetual alternation of ebb and stream, of backward running and forward leads the athlete gradually towards more beauty, balance, creativity and finally towards more harmony in the life. Try backward running and get ahead!

Backward running bibliography

J.W. Mackie, T.E. Dean, Running backward training effects on upper leg musculature and ligamentous instability of injured knee, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 1984.

B. Bates, E. Morrison, J. Hamill, A comparison between forward and backward running, The Olympic Scientific Congress Proceedings - Biomechanics, Eugene (Usa/Oregon) 1986.

C.W. Amstrong, P. Spyropoulos, F. Andres, A comparison of ground reaction forces in backward and forward running, presented at the American Alliance for Health Physical Education. Recreation and Dance annual meeting, Cincinnati (Usa/Ohio) 1986.

P. Apor, J. Dubecz, T. Horbobagyi, Running backward uphill: its biomechanics and clinical application, proceedings of the Fifth Meeting of the European Society of biomechanics, Berlin (Germany) 1986.

Strazar-Saunders, J. Patricia, The effect of backward running on hamstring strength and forward running speed, thesis - University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis (Usa/Indiana) 1986.

T. Michaud, F.F. Andres, J.A. Rodriguez-Zayas, Physiological and perceptual responses to retro running and walking, Msse, 1987.

J. Stribling, Support leg joint moments of force during backward running at two different speeds, thesis - Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (Usa/Illinois), 1988.

P. Devita, J. Stribling, Lower extremity joint kinetics and energetics during backward running, Med Sci Sports Exercise, 1991.

T.W. Flynn, R.W. Soutas-Little, Mechanical power and EMG activity about the knee in forward and backward running, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 13:259, 1991.

T.W. Flynn, R.W. Soutas-Little, Patello-femoral joint compressive forces during forward and backward running, Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, 23:4 Supplement, S6, 32, 1991.

T.W. Flynn, R.W. Soutas-Little, Mechanical power and muscle action during forward and backward running, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1993.

M.J. Satterfield, K. Yasumura, S.H. Abreu, Retro runner with ischial tuberosity enthesopathy, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1993.

Sprague, S. Edwin, Relationship between forward and backward running speed while wearing a lateral protective knee brace, thesis - Ball State University, 1994.

T.W. Flynn, R.W. Soutas-Little, Patello-femoral joint compressive forces during forward and backward running, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1995.

Steinley, Maurie Shawn, Quadriceps activation with backward running, thesis - St. Cloud State University, 1995.

Wright, Seth, Turning the other cheeks: insights into the cost of locomotion from backward running, thesis - Harvard University, 1995.

B. Dawson, Hamstring strains: could backwards running be a panacea?, Sport Medicine Australia National conference, Canberra (Australia) 1997.

A. Hodgkinson, The energetics and cardiopulmonary responses to backwards walking and running, Human Biology Final Year Project, 1997.

H.N. Williford, M.S. Olson, S. Gauger, W.J. Duey, D.L. Blessing, Cardiovascular and metabolic costs of forward, backward and lateral motion, Medicine Science Sports Exercise, 1998.

T.W. Flynn, P.R. Cavanagh, H.J. Sommer, J. Derr, Relationships among age, tibial width, late menarche, and tibial bone quality, Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise; 30:5 Supplement S47, 266, 1998.

M. Oates, An investigation of ankle joint motion in football umpires during backwards and forwards running, Honours Thesis Abstract, 1999.

A. Arata, Kinematic and Kinetic Parameters of High Speed Backward Running, Doctoral dissertation, University of Oregon, 1999.

M. De Smidt, E. Terblanche, The effect of training on the cardio-respiratory function of young women during backward running on a treadmill, XXVII Annual Congress of the Physiology Society of Southern Africa, Stellenbosch (South Africa) 1999.

T. Croy, L. Cross, N. Jopke, J. Weingarten, T. Flynn, D. Christie, P. Osmon, F. Underwood, Development of a backward walking maximal oxygen consumption test, Physical Therapy, 79:5 S46, 1999.

Bibliography on backward walking

B.T. Bates, S.T. McCaw, A comparison between forward and backward walking, proceedings of the North American Congress on Biomechanics: Human Locomotion IV, Montreal (Canada) 1986.

A. Thorstensson, How is the normal locomotor program modified to produce backward walking?, Experimental Brain Research, 1986.

P.Y. Shuck, D.S. Childress, Comparative analysis of forward and backward walking and stepping, proceedings of the X Annual Conference of Resna, 1987.

T. Michaud, F.F. Andres, J.A. Rodriguez-Zayas, Physiological and perceptual responses to retro running and walking, Msse, 1987.

D.A. Winter, N. Pluck, J.R. Yang, Backward walking, Motor Behavior, 1989.

C.W. Amstrong, J.M. Commanger, S. Wooley, A comparative analysis of forward and backward walking, The Sixth Annual East Coast Gait Conference, Michigan State University, East Lansing (Usa/Michigan) 1990.

D. Eilam, G. Shefer, Reversal of interleg coupling in backward locomotion implies a prime role of the direction of locomotion, The Journal of Experimental Biology Volume, 1992.

T.W. Flynn, S.M. Connery, M.A. Smutok, R.J. Zeballos, I.M. Weisman, Comparison of cardiopulmonary responses during forward and backward walking and running in normals, Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, 25:5 Supplement S186, 1046, 1993.

T.W. Flynn, R.W. Soutas-Little, Comparison of mechanical power and muscle activity during forward and backward walking, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1994.

E.M. Health, Effects of backward walking as a training technique on cardiorespiratory fitness, electromyographie activity, and lower limb movements patterns, 1994.

D.J. Cipriani, C.W. Amstrong, S. Gaul, Backward walking at three levels of treadmill inclination: an electromyographic and kinematic analysis, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1995.

G. Myatt, R. Baxter, R. Dougherty, G. Williams, J. Halle, D. Stetts, F. Underwood, The cardiopulmonary cost of backward walking at selected speeds, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1995.

J. Duysens, A.A. Tax, L. Murrer, V. Dietz, Backward and forward walking use different patterns of phase-dependent modulation of cutaneous reflexes in humans, J. Neurophysiol, 1996.

J.R. Blackwell, Effect of backward walking on cardiorespiratory fitness and biomechanical efficiency of movement, University of San Francisco Faculty Development Research Funds, 1996.

E.C. Chaloupka, J. Kang, M.A. Mastrangelo, M.S. Donnelly, Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during forward and backward walking, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1997.

E.M. Heath, J.R. Blackwell, K.W. Kornatz, U.C. Baker, D.R. Smith, Effects of backward walking training on selected cardiorespiratory parameters, presented to the American College of Sports Medicine, 1997.

J. Hill, J. Ortel, K. Houck, J. Vondruska, (F. Underwood, A. Kelly, T. Metzler), Effect of six week backward walking regimen on maximal oxygen consumption and blood lactate levels, 1997.

F.F. Andres, C.D. Mc, Auley, M. Miller, J. Mc, Millian, Estimated oxygen consumption or retro-locomotion, Msse, 1997.

E. Clarkson, S. Cameron, P. Osmon, C. McGraw, M. Smutok, D. Stetts, F. Underwood, Oxygen consumption, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion in young adult women during backward walking at different speeds, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1997.

J. Childs, J. Payne, D. Higgins, C. Gantt, F. Underwood, R. Franklin, T. Metzler, The effect of repeated bouts of backward walking on biomechanical efficiency, in review with the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1997.

A. Hodgkinson, The energetics and cardiopulmonary responses to backwards walking and running, Human Biology Final Year Project, 1997.

T.W. Croy, J.L. Weingarten, L.R. Cross, N.H. Jopke, T.W. Flynn, D. Christie, P.M. Osmon, Development of a backward walking maximal oxygen consumption test, manuscript submitted to Journal of Orthopaedic and sports Physical Therapy, 1998.

R.W. Van Deursen, T.W. Flynn, J.L. McCrory, E. Morag, Does a single control mechanism exist for both forward and backward walking?, Gait Posture, 1998.

R. Grasso, L. Bianchi, F. Lacquaniti, Motor patterns for human gait: backward versus forward locomotion, Journal Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 1998.

N.A. Tolani, R. Kram, Biomechanics of backward walking, International Society of Biomechanics Congress, 1999.

J.A. Vilensky, J.A. Cook, J.L. Cooper, Stumbling corrective responses in healthy human subjects to rapid reversal of treadmill direction, Electromyogr Kinesiol, 1999.

Y.P. Ivanenko, R. Grasso, F. Lacquaniti, Influence of leg muscle vibration on human walking, J. Neurophysiol, 2000.

Lamb, Tania, J.F. Yang, Could different directions of infant stepping be controlled by the same locomotor central pattern generator?, J. Neurophysiol, 2000.

C. Schneider, B.A. Lavoie, C. Capaday, On the origin of the soleus H-reflex modulation pattern during human walking and its task-dependent differences, J. Neurophysiol, 2000.

M. Gross, The rehabilitation implications of forward and backward walking.

D. Yoshimoto, T. Mohr, A. Palmgren, J. Frappier, An EMG study of quadriceps and hamstrings activity during forward and backward walking.

H.D. Day, V.J. Goins, Veering in women inconsistency of forward and backward progression.

E.C. Chaloupka, J. Kang, M.A Mastrangelo, M.S. Donnelly, Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during forward and backward walking.

M.G. Carpenter, A. Bellos, A.E. Patla, Is backward stepping over obstacles achieved through a simple temporal reversal of forward stepping?

K. Verfaillie, Perceiving human locomotion priming effect in direction discrimination.

Takashi Yokoi, Akihiko Takahashi, Makoto Muraoka, Chieko Fujita, Self-organized transition of the leg motion in the learning process of a locomotion.

Visually impaired persons: forward and backward walking.

Bibliography on backward movements (studies with animals)

L. Smith, Mutable and immutable motor patterns for different cyclical tasks of the cat hindlimb, Dept. Physiological Science, University of California, Los Angeles (Usa/California).

J.A. Vilensky, J.A. Cook, Do quadrupeds require a change in truck posture to walk backward?

J.A. Buford, R.F. Zernicke, J.L. Smith, Adaptive control for backward quadrupedal walking. I. Posture and hindlimb kinematics.

J.A. Buford, J.L. Smith, Adaptive control for backward quadrupedal walking. II. Hindlimb muscle synergies.

J.A. Buford, J.L. Smith, Adaptive control for backward quadrupedal walking. III. Strumbling corrective reactions and cutaneous reflex sensitivity.

J.A. Buford, K.L. Perell, R.J. Gregor, J.L. Smith, Adaptive control for backward quadrupedal walking. IV. Hindlimb kinetics during stance and swing.

J.A. Buford, C.A. Pratt, J.L. Smith, Adaptive control for backward quadupedal walking. V. Mutable activation of bifunctional thigh muscles.

R.J. Dooling, M.H. Searcy, Forward and backward auditory masking in the parakeet.

M.A. Ashley-Ross, G.V. Lauder, Motor patterns and kinematics during backward walking in the pacific giant salamander: evidence for novel motor output, J. Neurophysiol, 1997.