The effects of different carrying methods on human gait parameters

Abstract

Lifting and carrying are essential tasks that affect human balance and gait. Choosing a certain gait pattern could help reduce the risk of falling. This study investigates the differences in human gait parameters and lateral bending of the trunk when carrying a 5-gallon water bottle, compared to that of normal walking. Several gait parameters were considered, including the cadence, stride width, step length, total double support duration, walking speed, toe angle, and single support duration. A laboratory experiment was conducted considering 23 healthy males, 18–30 years in age, performing several carrying scenarios, with and without the use of two assistive devices (a bottle lifting handgrip handle and back and lumbar support). The ProtoKinetics Zeno™ Walkway Gait Analysis System and the ProtoKinetics Movement Analysis Software were used to measure the spatiotemporal gait parameters. In addition, the lumbar spine's lateral bending was measured using Kinovea software. The results showed that the assistive carrying devices helped achieve less deviation in the walking pattern while carrying, compared to that of normal walking, and reduced the lateral bending of the trunk, resulting in greater balance while carrying. This, in turn, helps reduce the chance of falling and the stress in the joints and muscles, thereby increasing stability. In conclusion, carrying two 5-gallon water bottles using a handgrip handle assistive device was the most preferred carrying method.