Subjective perceptions of load carriage on the head and back in Xhosa women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the subjective perceptual responses to both head-loading and back-loading in a group of Xhosa women. Thirty two women were divided into three groups based on their experience of head-loading and walked on a treadmill on two occasions, head-loading and back-loading, at a self selected walking speed for 4 min with a variety of loads until pain or discomfort caused the test to be terminated or a load of 70% body mass was successfully carried. After each workload there was a 1 min rest period during which the women indicated feelings of pain or discomfort in particular areas of the body via visual analogue scales. At the end of each test the women were asked to complete further questionnaires relating to pain and discomfort and on completion of the second test were also asked to compare the two loading conditions. Finally the women were interviewed to establish their history of load carriage and associated pain and discomfort. The data indicate that whilst back-loading was generally associated with more areas of discomfort than head-loading, the pain and discomfort in the neck associated with head-loading was the predominant factor in the termination of tests and that this was independent of head-loading experience. This early termination meant that, on average, the women could carry greater loads on their backs than on their heads. The study suggests that further work needs to be carried out to establish viable alternatives to head-loading for rural dwellers in Africa.

Health impacts of pedestrian head-loading: A review of the evidence with particular reference to women and children in sub-Saharan Africa

“…It found that though back-loading was associated with more areas of discomfort, neck pain and discomfort in head-loading was the predominant factor in the termination of tests, independent of head-loading experience (Lloyd et al, 2010b). It also reported neck pain as a major source of discomfort from water carrying among head-loaders (and their mothers and grand-mothers).…”

Can load carriage system weight, design and placement affect pain and discomfort? A systematic review

“…Also, Beekley et al showed that perceived exertion was significantly higher while carrying 70% lean body mass (LBM) than 30% and 50% LBM in adults; however, no differences in perceived exertion responses were seen between 50% and 30% LBM [5]. Lloyd et al observed that pain, perceived exertion and regional discomfort increased with increasing load (from 10% to 70% of body mass) in most of the body parts while some other parts such as chest, hips, buttocks and feet only showed significant changes between 15% and 20% body mass load [33]. Quesada et al stated that 0 and 15% body weight load produced similar results of perceived exertion but subjects perceived the work to be harder during carrying 30% bodyweight [44].…”

UN World Water Development Report 2016: "Water and Jobs"

“…In 1995, these figures were 52% and 80% respectively (ILO, Carrying water appears to have direct detrimental impacts on the mental and physical health of the carrier, and his or her ability to participate in domestic, formal and informal work. Both children and adults link persisting pain or movement problems with water fetching (Geere et al, 2010a(Geere et al, , 2010bLloyd et al, 2010) and the task may be an important factor in pain and disability linked to spinal musculoskeletal disorders and cervical compression syndromes (Evans et al, 2013).…”