Article

This study investigated the impact of weight and weight distribution of body
armor and load carriage on static body balance and leg muscle function. A series
of human performance tests were conducted with seven male, healthy, right-handed
military students in seven garment conditions with varying weight and weight
distributions. Static body balance was assessed by analyzing the trajectory of
center of plantar pressure and symmetry of weight bearing in the feet. Leg muscle
functions were assessed by analyzing the peak electromyography amplitude of four
selected leg muscles during walking. Results of this study showed that uneven
weight distribution of garment and load beyond an additional 9 kg impaired static
body balance as evidenced by increased sway of center of plantar pressure and
asymmetry of weight bearing in the feet. Added weight on non-dominant side of the
body created greater impediment to static balance. Increased garment weight also
elevated peak EMG amplitude in the rectus femoris to maintain body balance and in
the medial gastrocnemius to increase propulsive force. Negative impacts on
balance and leg muscle function with increased carrying loads, particularly with
an uneven weight distribution, should be stressed to soldiers, designers, and
sports enthusiasts.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS