The Energetics and Mechanics of Load Carrying

Abstract

African women commonly carry prodigious loads (70% or more of their body weight) supported by their heads for long distances. This method of load carriage is very economical; in a comparison of the metabolic cost of carrying large head-supported loads (by African women) to large back-supported loads (by American army recruits), it was found that the army recruits had to increase their metabolism twice as much as the women for the same load at the same walking speed. The mechanism by which these women carry loads so economically is unknown. The purpose of this study was to develop a quantitative understanding of how these women are able to carry head-supported loads so cheaply.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 16, 1992
Accession Number
ADA248441

Entities

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  • Norman C. Heglund

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  • Harvard College

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  • Energy and Power Technologies

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  • Body Weight
  • Classification
  • Computer Networks
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  • Massachusetts
  • Measurement
  • Mechanics
  • Metabolism
  • Military Research
  • Physiology
  • Rate Of Consumption
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