Wheeled assistive device for load carriage – the effects on human gait and biomechanics
研究评估了一种新型轮式辅助负重装置对士兵步态和生物力学的影响，发现该装置能减轻肩部压力和地面反作用力，但增加了步态变异性，提示需优化设计以提升稳定性。
Soldiers are often required to carry loads which impose biomechanical strain on the human body. This can adversely affect physical performances. Recently, wheel-based devices (WBD) were designed to reduce the load on the soldier. In the present study, a prototype of this newly developed WBD was evaluated. Thirteen volunteers performed three exercise protocols on a treadmill as follows: (1) no load; (2) carrying 40% of their bodyweight with a backpack or; (3) with the WBD. Data acquisition included: gait parameters, vertical ground reaction forces (VGRF) and contact pressure acting on the shoulder. Biomechanical analysis showed that the WBD decreased the contact pressure on the shoulder and the VGRF. However, greater gait variability, in terms of cycle-to-cycle gait line generation, was observed, which might point to a difficulty in maintaining stability while walking. The study suggests that WBD has a potential to reduce the biomechanical strain on the soldier while carrying heavy loads. Future potential adjustments for the development of a better WBD-based solution are suggested. Practitioner Summary: The present research observed the potential biomechanical advantages of using a wheel-based device designed to reduce the load on the soldier. It contributed to a lower mechanical force on the soldier's body, yet causing modulations in gait control. Future design adjustments should be made to optimise the platform.