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Gender Differences in Energy Expenditure During Walking With Backpack and Double-Pack Loads
Simon S W Li1, Otto H T Chan1, T Y Ng1
1The Education University of Hong Kong.
Human Factors
|September 15, 2018
Summary
Female participants expended less energy carrying heavy double-packs compared to males. This study investigated gender differences in energy expenditure during walking with backpack and double-pack loads.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Energy expenditure during walking with double-pack loads is generally lower than with backpack carriage.
- The influence of gender on energy expenditure with different load distribution systems remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender-specific differences in energy expenditure.
- To compare energy expenditure between backpack and double-pack loads.
- To analyze the effect of gender on energy expenditure with these two load systems.
Main Methods:
- Thirty healthy young adults (15 female, 15 male) walked on a treadmill for 10 minutes.
- Loads equaled 30% of body weight, distributed as either a backpack or double-pack.
- Oxygen consumption (VO2) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were continuously monitored.
Main Results:
- No significant time effect on VO2 was observed.
- Significant effects of gender, pack type, and their interaction were found for VO2.
- Female participants exhibited the lowest VO2 under double-pack conditions.
Conclusions:
- Healthy young females demonstrated significantly lower normalized energy expenditure when carrying heavy double-packs compared to males.
- Findings suggest a potential gender-based efficiency in carrying heavy loads with a double-pack system.
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