The Knee extensor strength deficit is a common finding in patients suffering from knee pain1,2, this deficit is reduced through well accepted methods of knee rehabilitation exercises leading to Quadriceps strengthening and Closed Kinetic Chain (CKC) exercises. The closed chain concept of quadriceps exercise is incorporated by Backward walking, which is the ability to move backward, it allows the body to be positioned to accommodate various tasks. The Backward locomotion (walking or running) leads to decrease in patellofemoral joint compressive forces and protect Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) from overstretching, it also decreases the eccentric loading of the knee extensors, thus it has gained popularity as a part of program to rehabilitate certain knee injuries 2 . However, there has not been any clinical trial conducted to support or refute the positive effects of backward treadmill walking in altering pain and quadriceps strength in subjects with knee pain. Thus, this study aimed at examining the effects of backward treadmill plain walking on pain and quadriceps muscle strength in subjects presenting with knee pain and quadriceps insufficiency. The performed study explored the effectiveness of retro-treadmill (backward) walking and Quadriceps strengthening as a rehabilitative tool for the subjects with complaint of knee pain. The study includes a total of 30 subjects (both males and females belonging to the age group of 25 to 55), duly screened on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study involves the usage of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and handheld dynamometer for the evaluation of pain and muscle strength, respectively. Based on the performed work it is found that a better level of treatment success is achieved in the experimental group compared to that in the control group. The Observed results of experimental group compared to that in the control group for VAS (66.7% and 33.3%, respectively, for p< 0.05), and for Quadriceps muscle strength (57.8% and 42.6%, respectively, for p< 0.05).The analysis of the results recommends that the patients undergone through knee rehabilitation should undergo retro-treadmill walking in their rehabilitation protocol.

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References

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