Asymmetric load-carrying in young and elderly women: relationship with lower limb coordination

This study investigates balance during asymmetric load-carrying and how asymmetric loading affects lower limb coordination during gait. Walking with and without a hand-held bag was analyzed in five young and six elderly women using a 6-camera VICON system and two force plates. Balance and lower limb coordination were compared when walking with and without a bag and also between age groups. While carrying a bag, the trunk, head, and upper arm were recruited in both young and elderly women. With the load, the contralateral hip abduction torque increased, whereas the ipsilateral hip torque decreased. Intralimb and interlimb coordinations did not vary with the different load conditions. The only difference observed between the groups was the contralateral shoulder abduction. The elderly group abducted their shoulders to a greater extent, even when walking without a bag.