Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different load carriage modes on coordinative patterns in the lower extremities during walking. Twenty-five university students walked on a treadmill at their preferred pace under three different load conditions: symmetric load (5% of body mass in messenger bags on each shoulder hanging vertically and against the hips), asymmetric load 1 (10% of body mass in a messenger bag on one shoulder hanging vertically against the ipsilateral hip), and asymmetric load 2 (10% of body mass in a messenger bag on one shoulder with the bag draped across the trunk to the contralateral hip). Altered thigh-shank and shank-foot couplings were found for the loaded side during the stance of gait when comparing the asymmetric 1 and 2 to the symmetric load. In addition, thigh-thigh coupling was changed during gait when comparing the asymmetric load 2 and symmetric load. However, we did not find any significant differences in intralimb and interlimb couplings between the two different asymmetric load conditions. The results suggest potential benefits when carrying symmetrical loads in order to decrease abnormal limb coordination in daily activities. Thus, it may be advisable to distribute load more symmetrically to avoid abnormal gait.
Highlights
Accepted: 23 April 2021People frequently carry loads using bags with shoulder straps, permitting them to transport a variety of items and still have their hands free
The following Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed that thigh-shank coupling during the asymmetric load 1 and 2 were greater than the symmetric load
RMS increased during the asymmetric load 1 and 2 in the loaded side compared to the symmetric load
Summary
People frequently carry loads using bags with shoulder straps, permitting them to transport a variety of items and still have their hands free. Single strap messenger bags have become increasingly popular, leading to a large proportion of individuals carrying their loads asymmetrically. A recent study reported decreased gait stability during asymmetric load carriage than bilateral load carriage, but no difference in cadence, stride length, and step width between unilateral and bilateral load carriage [3]. These studies did not find a significant difference between unilateral and bilateral load carriage in temporo-spatial gait parameters. The previous investigation of load carriage has been limited to the simple gait variables and there is a need to assess gait mechanics with a more advanced approach for better understanding of lower limb adaptation
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