Immediate effect of backward exercise with varying gait cadence on motor function of old and young adults

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the influence on motor function of backward walking exercise with changing cadence. [Subjects] Subjects were six older adults (older group), seven younger adults (younger group), and seven junior high school students (boys group). [Method] Each subject performed backward walking exercise for 3 minutes in time with a metronome which was used to alter the cadence from the usual walking speed every 30 seconds to 50% speed. Motor-function evaluations were backward walking exercise rate, the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), the 5m maximal gait speed, the Single-leg Standing time, the sitting-stepping test, and the Chair-stand test (CS-30). [Result] The 5m maximal gait speed and CS-30 showed significant differences in each group. [Conclusion] Backward walking exercise showed some differences with age, suggesting it is useful for the improvement of motor function.