INTRODUCTION

In this study we tried to determine the best method for carrying a child: front wards (with the subject and child anteriorly facing each other) versus carrying a child posterior to the subject in the form of a piggy-back ride. Researchers have examined physiological responses that occur during walking with rucksacks, backpacks, shoulder straps, etc., but what about walking while holding a child. A specific relationship between the performer and the person being carried affects the establishment of gait adaptability, as the external load increases (Falola et al, 2000). One can prevent lower and upper back pain, back strain, hip and shoulder problems by using the proper carrying technique. The main differences we expect to see are more trunk strain during front carrying, and less trunk strain during back carrying.

The purpose behind this research question is to determine the best technique to carry a child with the least amount of stress and variation. This question will be answered by comparing two different movements focusing on the shoulder and hip joint, and the trunk segment. The subject will be video taped while carrying a child front wards (with the subject and child anteriorly facing each other), and with the child on the subject's back with the child's chest resting on the subject's posterior side above the gluteus maximus, while walking one whole gait cycle.