The effect of backpack load on the gait of normal adolescent girls

Concerns regarding the effects of load carriage have led to recommendations that backpacks be limited to 10?-?15% of body weight, based on significant changes in physical performance. However, gait responses to backpack loads are not entirely consistent and there is a particular lack of data regarding load-bearing gait in adolescent females. Gait patterns of 22 normal adolescent girls were recorded at backpack loads of 0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 and 15.0% body weight. Temporal-distance, ground reaction force and joint kinematic, moment and power parameters were analysed by repeated measures ANOVA with factors of backpack load and side (left or right). Walking speed and cadence decreased significantly with increasing backpack load, while double support time increased. Kinematic changes were most marked at the proximal joints, with a decreased pelvic motion but a significant increase in the hip sagittal plane motion. Increased moments and power at the hip, knee and ankle showed increasing demand with backpack load. Parameters showed different responses to increasing load, and those that suggested a critical load indicated this to be approximately 10% body weight. While this may be due to a change in gait due to increased demand, further work is required to verify this and also to examine the cumulative effects of backpack load on the musculoskeletal system, which may be more appropriate in determining recommended load limits.     

Effect of backpack load on the head,cervical spine and shoulder postures in children during gait termination

Twelve boys with an average age of 9.9 years were instructed to carry backpacks that weighed 0%, 10% and 15% of their body weights (BWs) to complete planned and unplanned gait termination experiments. The craniohorizontal, craniovertebral and sagittal shoulder posture angles at the sagittal plane as well as the anterior head alignment and coronal shoulder posture angles at the coronal plane were analysed. Results revealed significantly smaller craniohorizontal and sagittal shoulder posture angles during planned gait termination and a significantly smaller sagittal shoulder posture angle during unplanned gait termination under loaded conditions compared with those at 0% BW backpacks. Furthermore, the coronal shoulder posture angles at 10% and 15% BW during planned and unplanned gait terminations were significantly larger than those at 0% BW. Therefore, subjects were more likely to have a forward head posture, rounded shoulder posture and increased lateral tilting of the shoulders during gait termination as backpack loads were increased. However, gait termination, whether planned or unplanned, did not elicit a remarkable effect on posture.     

Effects of backpack load and positioning on nonlinear gait features in young adults

Overloaded backpacks can cause changes in posture and gait dynamic balance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess gait regularity and local dynamic stability in young adults as they carried a backpack in different positions, and with different loads. Twenty-one healthy young adults participated in the study, carrying a backpack that was loaded with 10 and 20% of their body weight (BW). The participants walked on a level treadmill at their preferred walking speeds for 4 min under different conditions of backpack load and position (i.e. with backpack positioned back bilaterally, back unilaterally, frontally or without a backpack). Results indicate that backpack load and positioning significantly influence gait stability and regularity, with the exception of the 10% BW bilateral back position. Therefore, the recommended safe load for school-age children and adolescents (10% of BW) should also be considered for young adults.

Practitioner summary: Increase in load results in changes in posture, muscle activity and gait parameters, so we investigated the gait adaptations related to regularity and stability. Conditions with high backpack loads significantly influenced gait stability and regularity in a position-dependent manner, except for 10% body weight bilateral back position.     

Short-term effects of backpack load placement on spine deformation and repositioning error in schoolchildren

Backpack weight of 10–15% has been recommended as an acceptable limit for schoolchildren. However, there is still no clear guideline regarding where the backpack centre of gravity (CG) should be positioned. The changes of spinal curvature and repositioning error when carrying a backpack loaded at 15% of body weight at different CG locations (anterior or posterior at T7, T12 or L3) in schoolchildren were analysed. Both spinal curvature and repositioning error were found to be affected by backpack anterior–posterior position and CG level. A relatively smaller change was observed during anterior carriage with the least change when the backpack CG was positioned at T12. The results also suggested that alternative carriage by changing the backpack position occasionally between anterior and posterior positions might help to relieve the effects of backpack on spine. However, future study is recommended to further substantiate the beneficial effects of alternative carriage on children.

Statement of Relevance: Anteriorly carried backpack with centre of gravity positioned at T12 was shown to induce relatively less effect on spinal deformation and repositioning error in schoolchildren. Changing backpack carriage position occasionally may help to relieve its effects on spinal deformation. The findings are important for ergonomic schoolbag design and determining a proper load carriage method.     

Effects of carrying a backpack in a symmetrical manner on the shape of the feet

The aim of this study was to assess changes in the shape of the feet while carrying a backpack constituting 10% of a child's weight. It was an observational, cross-sectional study involving 118 primary school children aged 11–13 years. Selected parameters of foot shape were assessed in both a normal position and with a backpack using podoscopy and a CQ-ST examination device. The study revealed significant differences in the length and width of the right and left feet between assessments. Moreover, the longitudinal arch of the foot was significantly lowered and deformity of the great toe was reported. Carrying a backpack constituting 10% of a child's weight results in lowering of the longitudinal and traverse arches of the feet and advanced toe deformities.     

Effects of backpack load on critical changes of trunk muscle activation and lumbar spine loading during walking

This study investigated the effects of carrying a backpack while walking. Critical changes featuring the disproportionality of increases in trunk muscle activation and lumbar joint loading between light and heavy backpack carriage weight may reveal the load-bearing strategy (LBS) of the lumbar spine. This was investigated using an integrated system equipped with a motion analysis, a force platform and a wireless surface electromyography (EMG) system to measure the trunk muscle EMG amplitudes and lumbar joint component forces. A predictive goal programming model was developed to determine the most critical changes in trunk muscle activation and lumbar joint loading. Results suggested that lightweight backpack carriage at approximately 3% of body weight (BW) might reduce the peak lumbosacral compression force by 3% during walking compared with no load condition. The most critical changes in both trunk muscle activation and lumbosacral joint loading were found at a backpack load of 10% of BW.

Practitioner Summary: This study investigated the effects of backpack load on the LBS of lumbar spine while walking. A backpack load of 3% of BW might reduce the peak lumbosacral compression force by 3 and 10% of BW induced the most critical changes in LBS of lumbar spine.     

The effects of backpack type on lumbo-pelvic coordination during trunk bending and return tasks

Abstract

Backpacks with ergonomic features are recommended to mitigate the risk of developing low back pain due to carrying a heavy school backpack. A repeated measure study was conducted on 40 college-age students to investigate the immediate changes in magnitude and timing aspects of lumbo-pelvic coordination when carrying an ergonomically modified vs. a normal backpack relative to no backpack condition during trunk forward bending and backward return tasks. We found a smaller reduction in the thoracic range of rotation, an increase vs. a decrease in pelvic range of rotation and a larger reduction in lumbar flexion for a modified vs. a normal backpack. Furthermore, during the forward bending, a less in-phase motion for the modified backpack was observed. Our results suggest that participants have likely experienced larger spinal loads with the modified backpack; a conclusion that should be investigated in future to determine whether ergonomic backpacks can reduce the risk of low back pain in children.

Practitioner summary: Research participants performed trunk bending and return closer to their habitual way under modified versus normal school backpack. From an equilibrium point of view, therefore, individuals are likely experiencing larger spinal loads during activities of daily living with a modified backpack. However, such a conclusion may change when considering stability requirements.     

The effect of load distribution within military load carriage systems on the kinetics of human gait

Military personnel carry their equipment in load carriage systems (LCS) which consists of webbing and a Bergen (aka backpack). In scientific terms it is most efficient to carry load as close to the body's centre of mass (CoM) as possible, this has been shown extensively with physiological studies. However, less is known regarding the kinetic effects of load distribution. Twelve experienced load carriers carried four different loads (8, 16, 24 and 32 kg) in three LCS (backpack, standard and AirMesh). The three LCS represented a gradual shift to a more even load distribution around the CoM. Results from the study suggest that shifting the CoM posteriorly by carrying load solely in a backpack significantly reduced the force produced at toe-off, whilst also decreasing stance time at the heavier loads. Conversely, distributing load evenly on the trunk significantly decreased the maximum braking force by 10%. No other interactions between LCS and kinetic parameters were observed. Despite this important findings were established, in particular the effect of heavy load carriage on maximum braking force. Although the total load carried is the major cause of changes to gait patterns, the scientific testing of, and development of, future LCS can modify these risks.     

Effects of backpack load placement on pulmonary capacities of normal schoolchildren during upright stance

Backpack carriage affects posture, physiological costs and physical performance. Limited literature concerning the effects of backpack load placement on pulmonary capacities of schoolchildren has been reported. The objective was to assess the effects of backpack load placement on pulmonary capacities of normal schoolchildren. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory flow (FEF_25–75%) were measured in 22 normal schoolchildren with a mean age of 12 years during free standing and when carrying a backpack of 15% bodyweight with its center of gravity positioned at T7, T12 and L3. The main effect of load was found to be significant for FVC and FEV₁. However, no significant effect of load placements on the pulmonary function of schoolchildren was found. Manipulation of load placements may not alleviate the restrictive effects exerted on the pulmonary function resulted from backpack load carriage.

Relevance to industry

Daily carriage of a school backpack on the musculoskeletal health of children and adolescents has become an area of concern. Restrictive effects on the pulmonary function due to backpack carriage were reported and it is useful to explore whether these effects could be alleviated by manipulating the backpack center of gravity level.     

The influence of rifle carriage on the kinetics of human gait

The influence that rifle carriage has on human gait has received little attention in the published literature. Rifle carriage has two main effects, to add load to the anterior of the body and to restrict natural arm swing patterns. Kinetic data were collected from 15 male participants, with 10 trials in each of four experimental conditions. The conditions were: walking without a load (used as a control condition); carrying a lightweight rifle simulator, which restricted arm movements but applied no additional load; wearing a 4.4 kg diving belt, which allowed arms to move freely; carrying a weighted (4.4 kg) replica SA80 rifle. Walking speed was fixed at 1.5 m/s (±5%) and data were sampled at 400 Hz. Results showed that rifle carriage significantly alters the ground reaction forces produced during walking, the most important effects being an increase in the impact peak and mediolateral forces. This study suggests that these effects are due to the increased range of motion of the body's centre of mass caused by the impeding of natural arm swing patterns. The subsequent effect on the potential development of injuries in rifle carriers is unknown.     

基于中枢模式发生器的仿生机器狗步态控制的应用研究

由于人工规划产生的步态是比较僵硬的、缓慢的,缺乏灵活的自组织能力,与真正的动物步态存在很大差别;文章提出了机器狗生物步态的概念;以生物的中枢模式发生器CPG模型为核心建立仿生四足机器狗运动控制系统;根据哺乳动物的肢体运动关系,建立机器狗膝髋关节运动关系方程,并设计系统软硬件;设计的控制器能够有效地克服机器狗关节轨迹跟踪控制中耦合、力矩非线性等因素的影响,且具有自适应能力;通过仿真验证了应用于机器狗的生物CPG控制机理的控制方法是有效的。     

The effect of school bag design and load on spinal posture during stair use by children

Thirteen male children ascending and descending stairs with loads that equalled 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% of their body weight were the subject of our research: the boys were wearing an asymmetrical single-strap athletic bag or a symmetrical double-strap backpack during our experiments with them. The maximum spinal tilt to the loading side and to the support side, and the range of spinal motions, were obtained by using a motion analysis system. Our results showed that symmetry of spinal posture was observed both when they ascended staircase with all loads and descended in a backpack. When carrying an athletic bag with 15% and 20% of their body weight while ascending the staircase, the lateral spinal tilt to the supporting side was significantly increased. We concluded that a symmetrical backpack with a load not exceeding 20% or an asymmetrical single-strap athletic bag with a load not exceeding 10% should be recommended for school children in order to promote safer staircase use.

Statement of Relevance: Children carrying heavy school bags may develop spinal problems. This study suggested that when they are using stairs, a symmetrical backpack with a load within 20% body weight is acceptable for them. When they are carrying an asymmetrical single-strap athletic bag, the bag's weight should not exceed 10% of the body weight in order to avoid excessive spinal tilt.     

Human gait recognition based on matching of body components

This paper presents a novel approach for gait recognition based on the matching of body components. The human body components are studied separately and are shown to have unequal discrimination power. Several approaches are presented for the combination of the results obtained from different body components into a common distance metric for the evaluation of similarity between gait sequences. A method is also proposed for the determination of the weighting of the various body components based on their contribution to recognition performance. Using the best performing of the proposed methods, improved recognition performance is achieved.     

基于腿部三角特征的贝叶斯步态识别方法

提出了一种基于步态序列中腿部三角特征的步态表示方法,在这种特征上用改进的朴素贝叶斯分类方法进行步态识别。选取步幅最大、最小两种情况下的姿态作为关键帧,用三角型模拟其腿部特征,提取三角型模型参数作为步态特征,识别时先分别用KNN和一种改进的N-best取得属性值在训练数据中的对应数值,然后用贝叶斯分类方法识别。在NLPR数据库上使用留一校验方法进行算法验证,实验证明该方法简单快速,而且取得了比较理想的识别效果。     

基于监督Isomap的步态识别方法

由于步态图像的复杂性,使得很多维数约简方法不能有效地应用于步态识别中。等距特征映射(Iso-map)是一种很好的非线性维数约简算法,但在实际应用中该算法没有利用样本的类别信息,并存在泛化能力差的问题。在该算法的基础上,提出了一种新的监督Isomap算法,并应用于步态识别中。该方法不但具有Isomap算法的特性,而且能对新样本进行低维映射。在真实的三个步态图像数据库上的实验结果表明,该方法对步态识别是有效而可行的。     

Analysis of the unique gait mechanism of locusts focusing on the difference in leg length

The various types of gaits shown by insects are very interesting, and many studies have been conducted to investigate the mechanism of these gaits. In nature, there are many insects with apparent differences in the length of each leg, and it seems that the difference in leg length may affect the resultant gait of insects. However, there has not been much discussion about the influence of these differences in leg length on the gait. In this research, in order to investigate the influence of the difference in leg length on gait, we focus on locusts, whose hind legs are considerably longer than the other legs and shows a unique gait not seen in other insects. First, we measure the kinematics of gait of some insects, including locusts, and analyze the unique gait specific to locusts. Next, we reproduce this unique gait via numerical dynamical simulation. By conducting some simulations while changing the length of the legs, we investigate the mechanism of the unique gait of locusts and the influence of difference in leg length on walking. As a result, it is confirmed that the unique gait of locusts can be reproduced with a combination of long hind legs (compared to the front and middle legs) and the adjustment of the stroke and period of the hind leg based on horizontal ground reaction force.     

Protocols used to determine the influence of backpack load on physiological variables. Systematic review

Professional mountain rescue mountain groups use backpack equipment in their professional activities. The velocity of ambulation, gradient, load and the participant's physical characteristics have been described in the scientific literature as influential factors on response to exercise. The purpose of the present systematic review is to assess the protocols used to investigate the effects of backpacks and their influence on physiological responses at laboratory. A total of 14 articles were included in the review. Most research studies indicated participants were not experienced with backpack carriage. We observed a certain threshold on physiological changes in response to exercise was between 20 and 40 kg of backpack load. In conclusion, there is a heterogeneity of protocols used at the laboratory, hampering the comparison between different results. Future research should focus on the design of protocols that reproduce real scenarios of targeted populations.Relevane to industryRescue groups, firefighters and military personnel carry load with backpack in emergency interventions. This review analyzes different types of methodological protocols that investigate the influence of backpack load on physiological responses during exercise. The result will help manufacturer design backpacks considering the physiological burden of backpack carriage.     

Effect of load position on physiological and perceptual responses during load carriage with an internal frame backpack

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of load position in an internal frame backpack on physiological and perceptual variables. Ten female participants walked on a level treadmill for 10?min carrying 25% of their body weight in a high, central, or low position. The variables measured included oxygen consumption (VO₂), heart rate (HR), respiratory exchange ratio (R), respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (VE), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). VO₂, VE, and RPE were significantly lower in the high position (18.6?±?2.3?ml/kg/min, 31.7?±?5.0?l/min, 2.8?±?0.8, respectively) compared to the low position (22.2?±?3.0?ml/kg/min, 38.6?±?7.5?l/min, 3.7?±?1.0, respectively). HR, R, and RR did not change significantly as the load was moved from the high (129.8?±?16.8, 0.89?±?0.06, 30.3?±?4.2, respectively) to the low position (136.0?±?25.3, 0.92?±?0.04, 33.8?±?5.2, respectively). The results of this study suggest that load placement is an important factor in the physiological and perceptual responses to load carriage, and that packing heavy items high in the backpack may be the most energy efficient method of carrying a load on the back.     

基于无标记点运动跟踪的步态参数提取*

〖提出一种无标记点的步态参数提取方法,采用基于模型的人体运动跟踪方法,无须标记点即可从视频图像序列中获取运动步态参数。利用粒子滤波算法跟踪人体目标运动过程,通过基于外观模型的相似度计算及边界匹配误差判断定位腿部关节点。依据曲线拟合方法在跟踪与定位结果上提取运动步态参数。实验结果表明,该方法能精确定位腿部关节点且有效地提取步态参数。