The efficiency of babywearing in terms of perceived exertion while walking

Abstract

The present study investigates the efficiency of babywearing in terms of perceived exertion while walking. The sample consists of young adults who have no experience in babywearing. The participants (N = 20), aged between 20-35 years old (M=24.85, SD=2.13) were exposed to three conditions: babywearing without any carrier, babywearing with a soft-structured carrier, and babywearing with a wrap. The perceived exertion was analysed after the participants walked on a treadmill for 1.6 km while carrying a 5-kg and 60-cm doll in the mentioned conditions. The perceived exertion was measured using the RPE Borg CR10 scale and Bodymap. The statistical results show that the independent variable had significant effect on the rating of perceived exertion (p < 0.05). The participants who used the soft-structured carrier and wrap reported lower perceived exertion compared to those who did not wear any carrier, especially in axial muscles such as levator scapulae, deltoids, and upper trapezius. This implies that babywearing using a wrap and soft-structured carrier is more comfortable and able to exert less pain to the muscles.