Optimization characteristics of walking with and without a load on the trunk of the body

Previous work showed that subjects naturally adopt a walking speed which optimizes energy cost of locomotion and stability of stride; however, no studies have examined whether these criteria are affected by carrying an external load. The purpose of this study was to compare optimization characteristics during loaded or unloaded walking. Energy cost and stride characteristics were measured for 10 subjects with and without a load on the trunk of the body of 10% of the body weight during 4 sessions. The first 2 sessions represent free walking at 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, and 5 km x hr.(-1). The last sessions represent free vs forced walking at constant speed (preferred frequency and +/- 10 PF and +/-20% of preferred frequency). Results show an effect of load on energy cost of walking but no effect on the optimal speed for stability. Furthermore, when carrying a load the subject does not adopt systematically the speed that minimizes physiological cost. Our findings suggest the necessity to consider this effect to prevent gait disturbance and maintain the health benefits of walking.