Cardio-respiratory adjustments and cost of locomotion in school children during backpack walking (the Italian Backpack Study)

The use of a school backpack is one of the possible causes of back pain in children. Oxygen consumption ( ), pulmonary ventilation, and heart rate (f _c) were measured in 35 pre-pubertal subjects [17 girls and 18 boys, mean (SD) age 11.3 (0.6) years]. They took part in a four-step experiment: (1) standing for 5 min, (2) walking at 3 km·h^–1 for 7 min, (3) walking at 3 km·h^–1 for 7 min carrying a school backpack weighing 8 kg, and (4) walking at 7 km·h^–1 for 5 min with no load. The occurrence of back pain in the last 2–3 years and during the last 15 days was assessed for the subjects by means of a questionnaire. Mean (SD) standing was 215 (45) ml^.min^–1 during walking at 3 km·h^–1, 503 (101) ml^.min^–1 during walking without a load, and increased to 541 (98) ml^.min^–1 during walking with a load (P<0.01). Carrying a backpack increased f _c only minimally. The energy cost of walking at 3 km^.h^–1 without the backpack was 10.0 (2.0) ml O₂ ^.m^–1, and with the backpack was 10.8 (1.9) ml O₂ ^.m^–1 (P<0.01). The net energy cost of locomotion was 0.129 (0.032) ml^.kg body mass^–1.m^–1 for the unloaded condition and slightly lower, at 0.123 (0.025) ml^.kg body mass^–1.m^–1 during loaded walking (P<0.05). Ventilation did not change significantly between unloaded and loaded conditions. When the data were assessed according to the occurrence of back pain, the f _c/ slope was significantly lower in children without back pain, even though the net energy cost of locomotion was similar. Overall, these data suggest that the cardiovascular effortrequired for locomotion while carrying a backpack is minimal. However, fatigability and back pain are more likely to take place in less physical performing subjects. Thus, the occurrence of back pain in schoolchildren during locomotion while carrying a backpack may improve with an improvement in their level of fitness. Electronic Publication     

Effect of load and speed on the energetic cost of human walking

It is well established that the energy cost per unit distance traveled is minimal at an intermediate walking speed in humans, defining an energetically optimal walking speed. However, little is known about the optimal walking speed while carrying a load. In this work, we studied the effect of speed and load on the energy expenditure of walking. The O₂ consumption and CO₂ production were measured in ten subjects while standing or walking at different speeds from 0.5 to 1.7 m s^–1 with loads from 0 to 75% of their body mass (M_b). The loads were carried in typical trekkers backpacks with hip support. Our results show that the mass-specific gross metabolic power increases curvilinearly with speed and is directly proportional to the load at any speed. For all loading conditions, the gross metabolic energy cost (J kg^–1 m^–1) presents a U-shaped curve with a minimum at around 1.3 m s^–1. At that optimal speed, a load up to 1/4 M_b seems appropriate for long-distance walks. In addition, the optimal speed for net cost minimization is around 1.06 m s^–1 and is independent of load.     

Effects of gradient and load carried on human haemodynamic responses during treadmill walking

This study examined the effects of different loads carried and gradients, on haemodynamic and cardiovascular responses during 45 min of treadmill walking. A group of 20 male endurance-trained athletes [mean maximal oxygen uptake 61.4 (SD 4) ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹] volunteered for this study. The subjects took part in three separate trials. The first involved a backpack weighing 25 kg , the second a 35 kg backpack, and the third trial, unladen, while walking on a treadmill at a speed of 5 km · h⁻¹. The subjects began walking on the treadmill with the randomized load at 0% gradient. After 15 min, the gradient was increased by 5% every 15 min for a total of 45 min. The order of the loads carried was randomized among subjects. No significant differences were noted for all the variables measured attributable to loads between 25 kg and 35 kg. However, significant (P < 0.05) differences were seen for all variables each time the gradient was increased. Cardiac output increased from 11.4 (SD 0.6) l · min⁻¹ at 0% to 13.6 (SD 0.8) l · min⁻¹ at 5% and to 17.6 (SD 1.3) l · min⁻¹ at 10% carrying the 35 kg load. Similarly, lactic acid concentrations in the blood increased from 2.8 (SD 0.2) to 3.1 (SD 0.6) and to 5.3 (SD 1.3) mmol · l⁻¹, respectively. Similar changes were observed for all variables while carrying the 25 kg load. In addition, steady states in oxygen uptake and other physiological variables were obtained throughout the course of the tests. These data suggest that during isodynamic exercise, one of the main factors determining metabolic and haemodynamic responses will be the change in gradient and to a lesser extent, the mass of the load carried. Accepted: 12 May 2000     

The effect of load carriage on movement kinematics and respiratory parameters in children during walking

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of different backpack weights on trunk kinematics and respiratory parameters during walking in 10-year-old children. Fifteen boys with a mean age of 10.31 (0.26) years were selected from a primary school to participate in four walking trials on a treadmill: one with a backpack of 0% of body mass, and three whilst carrying backpacks that weighed 10%, 15%, and 20% of the child's body mass. The walking speed was set at 1.1 m s^-1 for 20 min duration. The walking movement was recorded on video and analysed in two dimensions. The breathing frequency, tidal volume, and respiratory muscles activity were measured with a cardiopulmonary system (Oxycon Champion, Jaeger) and a respiratory inductance plethysmograph (TR-601T, Nihon Kohden, Japan). A repeated ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis were used to examine any significant differences in the measured parameters when comparing the different loads. The results showed a significant positive linear relationship between load weight, trunk inclination angle, and breathing frequency (P<0.01). Walking for 20 min, carrying a load that weighed 20% of body mass induced a significantly increased trunk inclination angle. A significant increase in ventilation during walking with a backpack of 15% and 20% of bodymass was associated with a more rapid breathing frequency. Walking with a backpack of 10% body mass did not significantly change trunk posture or respiratory parameters. However, the results suggested that walking with a backpack of greater than 10% body mass induced significant changes in trunk posture and respiratory parameters in 10-year-old children.     

Physiological responses to prolonged treadmill walking with external loads

Summary Limited information is available regarding the physiological responses to prolonged load carriage. This study determined the energy cost of prolonged treadmill walking (fixed distance of 12 km) at speeds of 1.10 m·s^–1, 1.35 m·s^–1, and 1.60 m·s^–1, unloaded (clothing mass 5.2 kg) and with external loads of 31.5 and 49.4 kg. Fifteen male subjects performed nine trials in random order over a 6-week period. Oxygen uptake (VO₂) was determined at the end of the first 10 min and every 20 min thereafter. A 10-min rest period was allowed following each 50 min of walking. No changes occurred in VO₂ over time in the unloaded condition at any speed. The 31.5 and 49.4 kg loads, however, produced significant increases (ranging from 10 to 18%) at the two fastest and at all three speeds, respectively, even at initial exercise intensities less than 30% VO_2max. In addition, the 49.4 kg load elicited a significantly higher (P<0.05) VO₂ than did the 31.5 kg load at all speeds. The measured values of metabolic cost were also compared to those predicted using the formula of Pandolf et al. In trials where VO₂ increased significantly over time, predicted values underestimated the actual metabolic cost during the final minute by 10–16%. It is concluded that energy cost during prolonged load carriage is not constant but increases significantly over time even at low relative exercise intensities. It is further concluded that applying the prediction model which estimates energy expenditure from short-term load carriage efforts to prolonged load carriage can result in significant underestimations of the actual energy cost.     

Changes of contour of the spine caused by load carrying

The development of new leisure activities such as walking has spread the use of the backpack as a means of carrying loads. The aim of this work was to present a way of defining the movements imposed on the trunk by this type of load carrying. A 20 kg load situated at the thoracic level (T9) of the trunk, was placed in a backpack (2.5 kg). The 12 subjects were average mountain guides of Auvergne region, intermediate level and complete beginners. External markers were glued to the projecting contours of the spinous processes of the C7, T7, T12, L3 and S1 vertebrae, the shin and the external occipital tuberosity (EOT). Using a Vicon 140 3-D system we measured the effective mobility of the different spinal segments in the sagittal plane during one step. For every subject, we noticed a significant decrease of the effective inter-segmental mobility (EISM) between S1-L3-T12 (p < .01) while backpacking a 22.5 kg load. A decrease of EISM also appeared at the next level between L3-T12-T7 (p < .05). An increase of the EISM between T7-C7-EOT was noted (p < .05). We supposed that strength loss of the back muscles and/or angular oscillations of the trunk could be a common cause of symptoms during backpacking. The subjects using this type of load carrying have to adopt an adequate position of the lumbar, dorsal and cervical vertebrae.     

Effect of trunk load on the energy expenditure of treadmill walking and ergometer cycling

Summary Data concerning the effect of trunk loads on the energy expenditure of various activities are scanty and partly conflicting.The energy expenditure of walking (4.5 km hr^–1, 1.5% inclination) and ergometer cycling (60 watt, 60 rpm) was measured in 23 apparently healthy subjects with and without a trunk load of 10% of the body weight. For walking, the increment in energy expenditure per kg of load was 2.55±0.25 watt, while the increment per kg of body weight was 4.01±0.45 watt. For ergometer cycling, the increment per kg of load was 1.12±0.64 while that per kg of body weight was 2.73±0.56 watt.Prediction of energy expenditure for trunk loads has previously been made on the basis of the relation between energy expenditure and body weight. Our data show that this may lead to considerable overestimation.This work was supported by grants from the Danish Medical Research Council and the Danish Natural Science Research Council     

Physiological strain due to load carrying

Summary In an experimental study of load carrying the effects of mass (0, 5.4, 10.4 kg) and the type of support (on the shoulder or on waist) on parameters of physiological strain were quantified to determine the factor(s) which limit carrying time. Four categories of strain were investigated: metabolic (in terms of oxygen uptake), cardiovascular (in terms of heart rate), muscular (in terms of EMG activity) and skin pressure under the shoulder straps. Four young male subjects were tested on a treadmill using different combinations of load and speed. While standing, oxygen uptake was not influenced by the type or mass of the backpack, and averaged 10% maximal oxygen uptake. The heart rate increased significantly by 9 beats per min while standing wearing a backpack, independent of type of support or mass of backpack. While walking both the heart rate and the oxygen uptake were significantly influenced by the mass carried, but both types of strain remained below the tolerance limits for prolonged wear. Standing supporting a load did not significantly increase the root mean square value of the EMG signal of the trapezius pars descendens muscle. While walking, load carrying significantly increased the root mean square value, and, converted to force, the largest increase amounted to 2.7% of the maximal force for a load of 10.4 kg suspended from the shoulders. This was below levels of force producing fatigue, which was also indicated by an absence of changes in the median power frequency of the EMG signal. The pressure on the skin under the shoulder straps during load carrying on the shoulders was more than a factor of three times higher than the threshold value for skin and tissue irritation. Load transfer to the waist with a flexible frame reduced the pressures on the skin of the shoulder to far below the threshold value. On basis of these results it was concluded that even with relatively low loads the limiting factor was the pressure on the skin, if a waist belt did not relieve such pressure on the shoulders.     

The role of load-carrying in the evolution of modern body proportions

The first unquestionably bipedal early human ancestors, the species Australopithecus afarensis, were markedly different to ourselves in body proportions, having a long trunk and short legs. Some have argued that ′chimpanzee‐like′ features such as these suggest a ‘bent‐hip, bent‐knee’ (BHBK) posture would have been adopted during gait. Computer modelling studies, however, indicate that this early human ancestor could have walked in a reasonably efficient upright posture, whereas BHBK posture would have nearly doubled the mechanical energy cost of locomotion, as it does the physiological cost of locomotion in ourselves. More modern body proportions first appear at around 1.8–1.5 Ma, with Homo ergaster (early African Homo erectus), represented by the Nariokotome skeleton KNM‐WT 15000, in which the legs were considerably longer in relation to the trunk than they are in human adults, although this skeleton represents an adolescent. Several authors have suggested that this morphology would have allowed faster, more endurant walking. But during the same period, the archaeological record indicates a sharp rise in distances over which stone tools or raw materials are transported. Is this coincidental, or can load‐carrying also be implicated in selection for a more modern morphology? Computer simulations of loaded walking, verified against kinetic data for humans, show that BHBK gait is even more ineffective while load‐carrying. However, walking erect, the Nariokotome individual could have carried loads of 10–15% body mass for less cost, relative to body size, than AL 288‐1 walking erect but unloaded. In fact, to the extent that our sample of humans is typical, KNM‐WT 15000 would have had better mechanical effectiveness in bearing light loads on the back than modern human adults. Thus, selection for effectiveness in load‐carrying, as well as in endurant walking, is indeed likely to have been implicated in the evolution of modern body proportions.     

Influence of heavy weight carrying on the cardiorespiratory system during exercise

Summary To study the influence of weight carrying on the cardiorespiratory system during dynamic exercise (walking) four conditions, i.e., rest, and treadmill exercise at 25, 50, and 75% of the individual VO₂max, were combined with weight carrying of 10, 20, and 30 kg. In all experiments oxygen uptake, heart rate and pulmonary ventilation were measured. For each dynamic exercise condition and for the rest condition regression lines are calculated showing the relation between weight load and oxygen uptake, heart rate and pulmonary ventilation. From the slopes of these regression lines it can be seen that in rest (standing position) weight carrying does not influence oxygen uptake, heart rate and pulmonary ventilation. In dynamic exercise oxygen uptake, heart rate and pulmonary ventilation increase linearly with the amount of weight carried. To a large extent this increase is independent of the dynamic work load. In this study it was found that each kilogram extra weight increases oxygen uptake with 33.5 ml/min, heart rate with 1.1 beats/min and pulmonary ventilation with 0.6 l/min. In dynamic work for loads higher than 50% of VO₂max the relationship between weight carried and pulmonary ventilation is no longer a linear one. For the subjects studied it is assumed that oxygen consumption per kilogram weight is not different for body weight or extra weight carried.Students of the Department of Physical Education, Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands     

Commercial porters of eastern Nepal: Health status,physical work capacity,and energy expenditure

The purpose of the study was to compare full‐time hill porters in eastern Nepal with part‐time casual porters engaged primarily in subsistence farming. The 50 porters selected for this study in Kenja (elevation 1,664 m) were young adult males of Tibeto‐Nepali origin. Following standardized interviews, anthropometry, and routine physical examinations, the porters were tested in a field laboratory for physiological parameters associated with aerobic performance. Exercise testing, using a step test and indirect calorimetry, included a submaximal assessment of economy and a maximal‐effort graded exercise test. Energy expenditure was measured in the field during actual tumpline load carriage. No statistically significant differences were found between full‐time and part‐time porters with respect to age, anthropometric characteristics, health, nutritional status, or aerobic power. Mean V̇O₂ peak was 2.38 ± 0.27 L/min (47.1 ± 5.3 ml/kg/min). Load‐carrying economy did not differ significantly between porter groups. The relationship between V̇O₂ and load was linear over the range of 10–30 kg with a slope of 9 ± 4 ml O₂/min per kg of load. During the field test of actual work performance, porters expended, on average, 348 ± 68 kcal/hr in carrying loads on the level and 408 ± 60 kcal/hr in carrying loads uphill. Most porters stopped every 2 min, on average, to rest their loads briefly on T‐headed resting sticks (tokmas). The technique of self‐paced, intermittent exercise together with the modest increase in energy demands for carrying increasingly heavier loads allows these individuals to regulate work intensity and carry extremely heavy loads without creating persistent medical problems. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:44–56, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

A comparison of the effects of mixed static and dynamic work with mainly dynamic work in hot conditions

Summary Current physiological criteria for limiting work in hot conditions are frequently based on responses to mainly dynamic work (eg treadmill walking). Their applicability to industrial situations containing mixed static and dynamic work is questioned, since the physiological responses to static work are different from those of dynamic work. Each of eight subjects attempted a one hour uphill treadmill walk (mainly dynamic work), and an uphill treadmill walk whilst intermittently carrying a 20 kg weight in the arms (mixed static and dynamic work). The external work rates in the two conditions were equal, effected by lowering the treadmill gradient in the loaded condition. Experiments were conducted in a hot climate (33‡ C dry bulb, 25‡ C wet bulb). Oxygen consumption, minute ventilation, sweat rate and rated perceived exertion were all significantly higher (p<0.001) for the mixed static and dynamic work than for the dynamic work. This was also the case for heart rate and forearm skin temperature (p<0.01), and for auditory canal temperature (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two types of work for mean skin temperature, calf skin temperature and chest skin temperature. These results show that for the same external work, physiological strain and perceived exertion are greater for mixed static and dynamic work (carrying a load in the arms) than for mainly dynamic work (walking on a treadmill). They suggest that it is not appropriate to make direct comparisons of laboratory studies based on dynamic work, with practical situations containing mixed static and dynamic work in the heat.     

背包类型对大学生楼梯行走运动学和足底压力的影响

目的 分析不同背包类型和载荷对大学生上楼梯行走时运动学和足底压力的影响,为大学生选择合适的背包及携带方式提供参考。方法 采用Nokov红外光点运动捕捉系统和Podomed足底压力测试系统分析15名男大学生上楼梯支撑期内躯干和下肢关节活动范围、峰值时刻下肢运动学参数、足底各分区压力峰值、接触时间、全足最大压强、平均压强等参数的差异。结果 5%BW和10%BW背包载荷会减小躯干旋转活动范围(range of motion, ROM),增加踝关节屈伸和内外翻ROM,10%BW背包载荷下足底第1、3跖骨压力峰值和全足最大压强提升(P<0.05)。单肩包和手提包减小躯干侧倾和旋转ROM,增大了踝关节屈伸ROM、髋关节屈曲角、足弓和足跟内侧压力峰值(P<0.05)。双肩包负重增加足趾区的压力峰值(P<0.05)。结论 楼梯行走时,5%BW和10%BW背包载荷均会限制躯干旋转,增加踝关节ROM,10%BW载荷还会增加足跖区的负荷。单侧负重模式会使躯干向未负重侧倾斜以及向负重侧旋转。携带双肩包时足趾处的压力较高,而单肩包和手提包主要集中增加足弓和足跟内侧压力。建议大学生群体选择对称性...     

Differentiated perceptions of exertion and energy cost of young women while carrying loads

Summary Differentiated local ratings of perceived exertion from the legs and central ratings from the chest, and oxygen consumption, were determined during load carriage in seven young women. Subjects walked for 6 min at 3.22, 4.83, 6.44, or 8.05 km·h^–1 carrying (1) no load, (2) a load equal to 7.5% of body weight (mean: 4.66 kg) or (3) a load equal to 15% of body weight (mean: 9.32 kg). Thus, each subject underwent 12 separate tests. The external loads were in the form of lead pellets carried in a plastic scuba belt worn around the waist. A differentiation threshold was found at 6.44 km·h^–1 for the 0% and 7.5% loads and at 4.83 km·h^–1 for the 15% load. At speeds below the threshold, the perception of exertion was similar in the legs, chest and overall. At higher speeds, exertion was perceived to be more intense in the legs than overall and less intense in the chest than overall, suggesting that the local legs signal was the dominant factor in shaping the overall sensation of exertion. The oxygen uptake was greater for the 15% load than for either the 0% or 7.5% loads, but was similar for the 0% and 7.5% loads. Findings suggested a critical weight limit for external loads that could be transported without increasing the metabolic cost beyond that required to move the body weight alone. This limit fell between 7.5% and 15% of the body weight. When oxygen uptake was expressed per kg of total weight transported, there was no loss of metabolic efficiency while carrying loads up to 15% of the body weight.     

Physiological and biomechanical responses during treadmill walking with graded loads

Eleven healthy men [mean (SD) for age, height, body mass and maximum oxygen consumption: 25.1 (3.0) years, 1.79 (0.06) m, 78.2 (10.5)?kg and 56.9 (7.1)?ml?·?kg^?1?·?min^?1, respectively) completed two treadmill walking tests at their self-selected velocity while bilaterally carrying 15-kg and 20-kg loads (in a boxed container) for 4 min in front of the body. Each handle of the boxed container was fitted with a load cell so as to allow quantification of the load supported by each hand during load carriage. During the tests, oxygen uptake (V˙O₂), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) were monitored using standardized procedures, and cardiac output (Q˙ _c) was measured using the carbon dioxide rebreathing method. Stroke volume (SV), arterio-venous oxygen difference (C _a?vO₂), rate pressure product (RPP) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were calculated from the above measurements. The results showed that the two extremities sustained approximately 60% to 70% of the total load, with the balance being supported by the body. Significant increases (P?V˙O₂, HR, Q˙ _c, and mean BP were observed during both of the load carriage walks compared to unloaded walking. However, SV, C _a?vO₂, RPP and TPR were unchanged (P?>?0.05) during load carriage. Although V˙O₂ was significantly higher during the 20-kg load carriage walk, no significant differences were observed between the two loads for any of the cardiovascular responses monitored. Contrary to our hypothesis, these results suggest that increasing the load from 15?kg to 20?kg during treadmill walking does not significantly increase the cardiovascular stress that occurs in healthy subjects.     

A comparison of the physiological consequences of head-loading and back-loading for African and European women

The aim is to quantify the physiological cost of head-load carriage and to examine the ‘free ride’ hypothesis for head-load carriage in groups of women differing in their experience of head-loading. Twenty-four Xhosa women [13 experienced head-loaders (EXP), 11 with no experience of head-loading (NON)] attempted to carry loads of up to 70% of body mass on both their heads and backs whilst walking on a treadmill at a self-selected walking speed. Expired air was collected throughout. In a second study nine women, members of the British Territorial Army, carried similar loads, again at a self-selected speed. Maximum load carried was greater for the back than the head (54.7 ± 15.1 vs. 40.8 ± 13.2% BM, P < 0.0005). Considering study one, head-loading required a greater oxygen rate than back-loading (10.1 ± 2.6 vs. 8.8 ± 2.3 ml kg bodymass⁻¹ min⁻¹, P = 0.043, for loads 10–25% BM) regardless of previous head-loading experience (P = 0.333). Percentage changes in oxygen consumption associated with head-loading were greater than the proportional load added in both studies but were smaller than the added load for the lighter loads carried on the back in study 1. All other physiological variables were consistent with changes in oxygen consumption. The data provides no support for the ‘free ride’ hypothesis for head-loading although there is some evidence of energy saving mechanisms for back-loading at low speed/load combinations. Investigating the large individual variation in response may help in identifying combinations of factors that contribute to improved economy.     

Strain while skiing and hauling a sledge or carrying a backpack

Summary Eight soldiers on skis transported three loads of different weights on the level, uphill and downhill. The load was placed either on a cargo sledge or in a backpack or divided between the sledge and the backpack. The sledge had a new type of haulage-shaft, which was fixed to both sides of the pelvis. A service belt spread the pull over the whole upper body. The physical strain of different transport methods and the serviceability of the sledge was studied by measuring heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption, ventilation, and perceived exertion. The results indicate that both absolute and relative strain were systematically lower when pulling the load on the sledge than when carrying it in the backpack and on the sledge. HR when pulling a load equal to the human body weight on the sledge was on average 133 beats · min^–1; HR was significantly higher 144 beats · min^–1 when the load was divided between backpack and sledge. At the lower load level the differences between the transport methods were not significant for HR, oxygen consumption or ventilation. Uphill travel increased oxygen consumption by about 50% over that on the level. Perceived exertion at all load levels was significantly lower with the sledge than with the backpack alone or in combination. The estimated maximal allowable working time emphasized the advantage of the sledge and the importance of high physical working capacity. The manoeuvrability of the sledge with the new haulage shaft was good and the braking mechanisms worked well. The results imply that a man with normal working capacity is able to transport a load equal to his own weight for about 2.5 km without overstrain by pulling it an a sledge on the level. This result is valuable for the planning of field medical services.     

Gender differences during treadmill walking with graded loads: biomechanical and physiological comparisons

In this study, we compared the biomechanical and physiological responses of healthy men and women during bilateral load carriage while they walked on a treadmill at their self-selected velocity. Eleven men mean (SD) maximal oxygen uptake, [V˙O_{2 max} = 56.0 (7.1) ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹] and 11 women [V˙O_{2 max} = 44.6 (7.6) ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹] carried 15-kg and 20-kg loads in random order using a custom-designed load-carriage device. The load supported by each hand was measured by placing strain gauges in each handle of the device. The load supported by the body was calculated as the difference between the load carried and that supported by each hand. Physiological measurements were recorded using standard procedures, and cardiac output was measured by carbon dioxide rebreathing while standing, walking, and during load carriage. Three-way analysis of variance (gender by load by test phase) indicated no significant (P > 0.05) three-way interaction, implying that the overall trend in these responses was similar in men and women. A-priori Scheffe multiple comparisons revealed the following significant (P < 0.05) gender differences during load carriage: (1) women supported a lower proportion of the load with the hands and transferred a greater amount to the body by resting the load against the chest, (2) the oxygen uptake increased by a greater amount in the women compared with men and exceeded the ventilatory threshold during the 20-kg walk in women, and (3) the cardiovascular stress, as indicated by the percentage of maximal heart rate and rate pressure product (product of heart rate and systolic blood pressure), was significantly higher in women compared with men during both of the load-carriage walks. These observations suggest that when carrying absolute loads of 15 kg and 20 kg, women are more susceptible to fatigue and are at a greater risk of cardiovascular complications than men. Accepted: 18 June 1999     

The physiological cost of carrying light and heavy loads

Summary Nine subjects walked on a treadmill with load weights equal to 10% and 40% of body weight carried on the back. Although the speed of the treadmill was selected so that the measured oxygen consumption (VO₂) was the same for both load conditions, the heavier load placed an extra strain on the cardiopulmonary system and was perceived by all subjects as harder work than the lighter load. When the subjects worked at their own pace, walking on a level road or climbing stairs with load weights equal to 10% and 40% of body weight, they compensated for the heavier load by decreasing walking speed or climbing rate. Although the energy costs calculated from walking speed, body and load weight for self-paced walking and the external work of stair climbing were the same for both load conditions, the heavier load was again perceived as harder work. These findings are discussed as they relate to the definition of acceptable load weights.     

Effect of carrying a weighted backpack on lung mechanics during treadmill walking in healthy men

Weighted backpacks are used extensively in recreational and occupational settings, yet their effects on lung mechanics during acute exercise is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different backpack weights on lung mechanics and breathing patterns during treadmill walking. Subjects (n = 7, age = 28 ± 6 years), completed two 2.5-min exercise stages for each backpack condition [no backpack (NP), an un-weighted backpack (NW) or a backpack weighing 15, 25 or 35 kg]. A maximal expiratory flow volume curve was generated for each backpack condition and an oesophageal balloon catheter was used to estimate pleural pressure. The 15, 25 and 35 kg backpacks caused a 3, 5 and 8% (P < 0.05) reduction in forced vital capacity compared with the NP condition, respectively. For the same exercise stage, the power of breathing (POB) requirement was higher in the 35 kg backpack compared to NP (32 ± 4.3 vs. 88 ± 9.0 J min(-1), P < 0.05; respectively). Independent of changes in minute ventilation, end-expiratory lung volume decreased as backpack weight increased. As backpack weight increased, there was a concomitant decline in calculated maximal ventilation, a rise in minute ventilation, and a resultant greater utilization of maximal available ventilation. In conclusion, wearing a weighted backpack during an acute bout of exercise altered operational lung volumes; however, adaptive changes in breathing mechanics may have minimized changes in the required POB such that at an iso-ventilation, wearing a backpack weighing up to 35 kg does not increase the POB requirement.