Dynamic analysis of load carriage biomechanics during level walking

Ren, L; Jones, RK; Howard, D

Abstract

This paper describes an investigation into the biomechanical effects of load carriage dynamics on human locomotion performance. A whole body, inverse dynamics gait model has been developed which uses only kinematic input data to define the gait cycle. To provide input data, three-dimensional gait measurements have been conducted to capture whole body motion while carrying a backpack. A nonlinear suspension model is employed to describe the backpack dynamics. The model parameters for a particular backpack system can be identified using a dynamic load carriage test-rig. Biomechanical assessments have been conducted based on combined gait and pack simulations. It was found that the backpack suspension stiffness and damping have little effect on human locomotion energetics. However, decreasing suspension stiffness offers important biomechanical advantages. The peak values of vertical pack force, acting on the trunk, and lower limb joint loads are all moderated. This would reduce shoulder strap pressures and the risk of injury when heavy loads are carried.

Citation

Ren, L., Jones, R., & Howard, D. (2005). Dynamic analysis of load carriage biomechanics during level walking. Journal of Biomechanics, 38(4), 853-863. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.04.030

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2005
• Deposit Date: Aug 9, 2007
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Journal: Journal of Biomechanics
• Print ISSN: 0021-9290
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 853-863
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.04.030
• Keywords: Load carriage, gait simulation and measurement, backpack modelling
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.04.030