Effectiveness of backward gait training on body composition, cardiopulmonary fitness, inflammation, and metabolic marker in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Walking is a fundamental physical activity with significant health implications. Backward gait training (BGT) has emerged as a novel approach with potential benefits, yet its effects in comparison to traditional forward gait training (FGT) remain uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of BGT on body composition, cardiopulmonary fitness, and inflammatory and metabolic markers in adults.

Effects of facilitatory and inhibitory Kinesio taping on lateral gastrocnemius muscle activity, motor neuron excitability, and countermovement jump height in university athletes from multiple sports: A randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the temporal effects of two Kinesio Taping (KT) techniques on lateral gastrocnemius muscle activity, motor neuron excitability, and countermovement jump height in university athletes from hockey, football, basketball, and volleyball. Additionally, it investigates whether the athletes' playing positions-either attacker or defender-influence these outcomes following the KT application.

Methods: Forty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group A (n = 16), Group B (n = 16), and Group C (n = 16).