Shock transmission while walking with backpack loads

This chapter seeks to explore the mechanisms of shock transmission while walking with backpack loads. Shock transmission can simply be understood as the transmission of forces from the lower segments (foot, shank and thigh) to the upper segments (pelvis, trunk and head). Walking with backpack loads increases the vertical ground reaction force sustained during walking. If this higher ground reaction force is transmitted superiorly to the upper body segments, then it may put people at a risk of sustaining long-term musculoskeletal injuries. Our research and some other studies have found that loads up to 40% BW load do not significantly increase the shock transmission from a baseline condition of walking without backpack loads at a self-selected speed. However, higher walking speeds significantly increase the shock transmission, putting people at a greater risk of sustaining musculoskeletal injuries. It is therefore advisable to not do brisk walking with heavy backpack loads