The effects of asymmetric load carrying on selected parameters of gait

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in gait variables while transporting a load at a self-selected velocity in two asymmetric positions, shoulder carry and hand carry, as they compare to the unloaded condition. Thirty-two healthy individuals (16 male and 16 female) with a mean age of 29 years participated in the study. The participants walked for a distance of 5 m at a self-selected velocity on the GAITRite™ mat, carrying a load equivalent to 25% of their body weight. The gait parameters investigated were cadence, step-to-extremity-length ratio, stride length, step time, heel to heel base of support and velocity. A two-way analysis of variance for gender and carrying technique was performed. The results of the study demonstrated that men and women display significantly different gait parameters under the three load conditions. The means showed trends in increased cadence, decreased heel to heel base of support, step-to-extremity-length ratio, stride length and step time, when the unloaded, hand carry and shoulder carry were compared. Transporting an asymmetric load with either a shoulder carry or hand carry showed significant difference in cadence and right and left step time when compared to walking without a load. Based on the trends noted, carrying asymmetric loads for short distances should incorporate the shoulder carry technique, since the gait parameters deviate the least from walking without a load.