Int J Sports Med 2005; 26(3): 214-219
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-820997
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Effect of Backward Locomotion Training on the Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Young Women

E. Terblanche1 , C. Page1 , J. Kroff1 , R. E. Venter2
  • 1Department of Medical Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
  • 2Department of Sport Science, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: February 9, 2004

Publication Date:
26 August 2004 (online)

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Abstract

This study investigated the effect of a backward training program on the physical and fitness condition of young women. Twenty-six healthy female university students (aged 18 - 23 years) took part in three different baseline tests: body composition, a submaximal treadmill test, and a 20-m shuttle run test. Subjects were divided into a training group (n = 13) and a control group (n = 13). The training group completed a six-week backward run/walk training program. The control group was restricted to their daily activities similar to the four weeks prior to the onset of the baseline tests. The training group showed a significant (p = 0.01) decrease in O2 consumption during both submaximal forward and backward exercise on the treadmill (32 % decrease during backward and 30 % decrease during forward exercise). A significant (p = 0.01) decrease in percentage body fat (2.4 %), a 19.7 % decrease in the sum of skinfolds (p = 0.001) and significantly (p = 0.013) improved predicted VO2max values from the forward 20-m shuttle run test (5.2 %) were also found in the case of the training group. The findings suggest that backward walk/run training improves cardiorespiratory fitness for both forward and backward exercise and causes significant changes in body composition in young women.

References

Dr. E. Terblanche

Department of Medical Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch

PO Box 19063

Tygerberg 7505, Cape Town

South Africa

Phone: + 27219389531

Fax: + 27 2 19 38 94 76

Email: et2@sun.ac.za