Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025
Postural Organization of Gait Initiation for Biomechanical Analysis Using Force Platform Recordings
Published on: July 26, 2022
Relationship between backpack load location, sex, anthropometric and body composition factors with postural sway in
Dean L Smith1,2, Mark S Walsh1
1Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
Objective:
Evaluate the effect of backpack load location on postural sway and correlate sway path length (PL) to anthropometrics and body composition.
Methods:
Fifteen participants aged 18-25 stood on a force plate with backpack load located high (LH), low (LL) or without backpack (NL). Body composition and anthropometric variables were correlated to PL.
Results:
Load increased PL, 95% confidence ellipse, and mean velocity while it reduced mediolateral SampEn (p<0.05). Females had increased mean velocity and PL of sway (p<0.05). Larger phase angles correlated with reduced PL under NL. Taller individuals correlated with reduced PL under LL. Greater mass correlated with reduced PL under LH.
Conclusions:
Load carriage regardless of load location increased postural sway metrics except mediolateral SampEn. Females had greater PL and mean velocity compared to males. Select anthropometric and body composition variables correlated with postural sway under different load conditions.
