Comparative analysis of gait kinematics of male and female construction workers while carrying asymmetric loads in different modes

In order to determine the gender differences in gait pattern during load carriage, 6 male and 6 female construction workers performed load carrying activity for four different load conditions. The loads included a baseline condition in which subject carried no added load. Subjects walked at self-selected speed along the walk way stepping two Kistler Force Plates with load and without load for 15 minutes. Load carried was 20% of subject´s body weight. Results demonstrated certain sex specific differences on kinematic pattern in walking. Changes in various walking variables like speed, stride width, stride length, cycle time, double limb support, steps per minute were reported. Walking pattern of both males and females was affected by different modes of load carriage. Males reported maximum exertion during shoulder load whereas females had maximum exertion during hand load. Overall exertion measured by Borg-RPE Scale was found to be more among females as compared with males during the activity. It is important to take careful consideration while giving loads to males and females. Head load is recommended for females and back load for males when carrying 20% of body weight load. In summary, women´s gait is characterized by greater changes than men. Characterizing unique gait patterns of women and men during load carriage in construction work may be beneficial for detecting the early stages of walking abnormalities that may lead to pathology with ageing affecting their work life.