The effects of asymmetrical loading on gait characteristics

Asymmetrical load carriage is a popular method used among people in daily life. This study investigated the impact of asymmetrical load carriage and the load mass spatiotemporal parameters associated with gait patterns. Twelve participants were recorded as they walked under six load conditions. The loads included a control condition in which individuals carried no added load and loads of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% body weight carried with their right hand. Parameters used to describe the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait were quantified and analyzed. The results of the study demonstrated that the gait patterns of the individuals were affected by increases in the carried load. The loaded right side was more sensitive to changes in the loads carried. Overall, we conclude that the spatiotemporal parameters actually depend on the combination of both loading mass and the side that was loaded.