Influence of Load Carriage during Military Walking on Lower Limb Gait Characteristics / 医用生物力学

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the influence of different load carriages during military walking on the gait of lower limbs. Methods In a randomized cross-over design, 15 healthy young males were asked to perform self-paced walking with a normal uniform under a load carriage of 0 kg, 7.5 kg, 27 kg, and 50 kg for four times. The kinematics parameters of the pelvis, knee, and ankle were evaluated by the Vicon motion capture system and AMTI force plates. Results With increasing load carriage, the stride frequency relatively improved, whereas the stride reduced and the speed was maintained on the whole. The peak left/right hip flexion and extension angle and peak knee adduction angle were obviously affected by the load carriage, whereas the movement magnitudes could be maintained. The peak varus angle of the left ankle and peak valgus angle of the right ankle were also affected. The peak force and moment of the left/right knee and ankle increased. Conclusions With increasing load carriage, overall, the movement magnitudes of lower limb joints were maintained under the given loads, whereas the lower limb loads were increased, which could increase the potential risk of lower limb injuries.