Effects of load carrying techniques on gait parameters, dynamic balance, and physiological parameters during a manual material handling task

Purpose Since construction workers often need to carry various types of loads in their daily routine, they are at risk sustaining musculoskeletal injuries. Additionally, carrying a load during walking may disturb balance and lead fall injuries among workers. Different techniques also cause different extents physical exertion. Therefore, the purpose this paper is examine effects load-carrying on gait parameters, dynamic balance, physiological parameters asymptomatic individuals both stable unstable surfaces. Design/methodology/approach Fifteen male participants (mean age: 31.5 ± 2.6 years) walked along an 8-m walkway flat foam surfaces with without thrice using three (e.g. carriage head, dominant shoulder, hands). Temporal speed, cadence, double support time), symmetry step time, stance swing time symmetry), [e.g. anteroposterior mediolateral center pressure (CoP) displacement, CoP velocity] were evaluated. heart rate (HR) electrodermal activity (EDA) was assessed estimate parameters. Findings The speed significantly higher when carried hands compared other (Hand load, 1.02 ms vs Head 0.82 Shoulder 0.78 ms). Stride frequency decreased head than (46.5 51.7 strides/m). Step, stance, poorer shoulder (Step ration, 1.10 1.04; Stance ratio, 1.11 1.05; Swing 1.04). (Shoulder 17.47 mm 21.10 Hand −5.10 mm) displacements −0.57 −1.53 −3.37 ms) increased or hands. HR (Head 85.2 beats/m 77.5 No 69.5 beats/m) EDA 14.0 µS 14.3 14.1 9.0 µS) larger no load. Research limitations/implications findings suggest that yields better head. Construction managers/instructors should recommend improve lower falls. Practical implications potential changes methods will aid assessment loaded walking. Wearable insole sensors monitor real-time would enable safety managers identify who falling due reasons exertion, improper techniques, fatigue). Such technology can empower them take necessary steps prevent Originality/value This first study use wearable photoplethysmography device assess impacts approaches measures (i.e. EDA) while terrains.