The effect of weighted backpack position while walking on laterl inclined surfaces

The effect of weighted backpack positions on lower limb joint while walking on a lateral inclined surface was investigated in this study. The joint angle, joint moment, stance force and lower limb electromyography of seven heathy male subjects, while walking on a lateral inclined surface wearing no backpack and a weighted backpack positioned on the upper and lower back were measured with a VICON motion system integrated with a DELSIS electromyography system. A significant difference was found in the maximum knee joint inverse moment with no backpack and with the back pack positioned on the upper back. There results suggest that loads should be positioned on the lower back when walking on lateral inclined surface.