Influence of an asymmetrical load on ground reaction forces during gait

Carrying loads asymmetrically can leads to pathological changes in musculoskeletal system or to its overload and injury. This work aims to show and analyze the distribution of ground reaction forces under the feet when an individual carries a load asymmetrically with different methods of carrying. The data were collected for young males. The values of forces were recorded on a pedobarographic force platform for 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of the body mass and different way of carrying the load (backpack carried on one shoulder, cross body laptop bag, laptop bag held in one hand and laptop bag carried on one shoulder). This kind of carrying the asymmetrical load is most commonly observed on the university facilities. For all considered cases of asymmetrical loading, there were statistically important differences at the ground reaction forces in comparison to gait without any load. This indicates that wearing asymmetrical loading should be avoided.