The Influence of External Additional Loading on the Muscle Activity and Ground Reaction Forces during Gait

Bartłomiej Zagrodny,Michał Ludwicki,Wiktoria Wojnicz,Fuhao Mo

doi:10.1155/2021/5532012

Bartłomiej Zagrodny, Michał Ludwicki + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5532012

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Abstract

Asymmetrical external loading acting on the musculoskeletal system is generally considered unhealthy. Despite this knowledge, carrying loads in an asymmetrical manner like carrying on one shoulder, with one hand, or on the strap across the torso is a common practice. This study is aimed at presenting the effects of the mentioned load carrying methods on muscle activity assessed by using thermal field and ground reaction forces. Infrared thermography and pedobarographic force platform (ground reaction force/pressure measurement) were used in this study. Experimental results point out an increased load-dependent asymmetry of temperature distribution on the chosen areas of torso and the influence of external loading on ground reaction forces. Results point out that wearing an asymmetrical load should be avoided and are showing which type of carrying the external load is potentially less and the most harmful.

Highlights

In a human body, there may exist physiological asymmetries in the musculoskeletal system at the level that we assume still in range of norm or already pathological
Results of thermal measurements were assessed as average values with standard deviations for all volunteers (Figures 3–5). They should be interpreted as an asymmetry of temperature distribution on the chosen muscle area after the exercise
The highest differences were reached for the obliquus abdominis in the case of 15% load carried on the shoulder (0.37 K) and for the latissimus dorsi for 10% load in the case of a bag carried in one hand (0.2 K), and it was slightly less for a bag on one shoulder with 5% of the load (0.19 K)

Summary

Introduction

There may exist physiological asymmetries in the musculoskeletal system at the level that we assume still in range of norm or already pathological They can be understood as faulty posture (like scoliosis and different leg lengths) or connected with the kinetics of movement (when speaking about asymmetrical gait—different step lengths or ground reaction forces). One has to know that the problem can be increased by loading a body with asymmetrical, external loading This can have a shortor long-term negative effect on posture correctness and/or static and dynamical stability. Lack of GRF symmetry for both lower limbs can be linked with muscle imbalance or some problems with the nervous and/or musculoskeletal system (like joint degeneration, injuries [2], or asymmetrical body load [3] caused by external factors). Asymmetrical loading causes asymmetrical muscle activation to compensate for the influence of asymmetry [4]

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