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

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 presentin...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bartłomiej Zagrodny, Michał Ludwicki, Wiktoria Wojnicz
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2021-01-01
Series:Applied Bionics and Biomechanics
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/5532012
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:1754-2103