Ergonomic Differences between Baby Carriers by Certain Wearing Positions

Background : Methods of wearing a baby carrier have suggested; however, there have been no studies suggesting ideal ways. Objective : To investigate muscular fatigue and balance of the waist during baby carrier are worn on the front, the side, and the back of the body. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial (single blind) Methods : The subjects of this study were 20 healthy men and women in their 20s, who underwent tests of muscular fatigue and balance of the waist bones based on types of wearing baby carrier. Electromyogram (EMG) patches were attached to the L2 and the L4 for testing muscular fatigue, while a device for measuring proprioceptive senses was used to assess balance ability. The measurements were performed before wearing the baby carrier and after 30 minutes of normal walking. The methods of wearing the baby carrier included wearing on the front, the side, and the back of the body. Results : The time taken to adjust the balance was shorter than other types of wearing during the baby carrier were worn on the side, and the ratio of lumbar flexion and relaxation was shown insignificant. Conclusions : These results suggested that wearing the carriers on the side was most effective on reducing fatigue and enhancing balance ability of the waist.