Headloading in Africa: Preliminary findings on the locomotor effects of occupational headload carriage

Abstract

Headload walking is widespread in Africa, potentially medically harmful, but poorly understood. The present pilot study reveals what portions of the locomotor pattern deserve detailed further study. Basically under the headload condition, shorter, quicker more mincing steps are taken, raising the energy cost of locomotion. Shock-absorption mechanisms are impaired. Propulsive mechanisms are altered.

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