Gait changes caused by the habits and methods of carrying a handbag

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to provide information to help maintain correct posture by identifying gait changes caused by the habits and methods of carrying bags. [Method] The subjects were 34 healthy right-handed women. Among them, 18 subjects had the habit of carrying bags on their right side, and 16 subjects had the habit of carrying bags on their left side. The subjects were instructed to walk while carrying a bag, which weighted approximately 10% of the subjects' average weight, in four different ways; holding it in the left hand, carrying it over the left shoulder, holding it in the right hand, and carrying it over the right shoulder. The subjects' gaits were measured using a gait analyzer. [Results] Subjects who habitually carried bags on their right exhibited changes in gait variables related to walking distance. In addition, their gait velocities were relatively faster. On the other hand, differences in temporal and spatial gait variables were not exhibited when the bag was carried using the four methods. [Conclusion] When the weight of a bag is appropriate, bag-carrying habits had significant effects on gaits. Therefore, people who carry bags should avoid the habit of carrying them on only one side.