Objective By analyzing the characteristics of lower extremity muscle activity and the changes of corresponding kinematic parameters of the lower limbs by carrying heavy loads and asynchronous stopping modes, the effects of hand weight bearing and gait stopping modes on the gait stability and body balance of the elderly were explored. Methods Under different load-bearing methods, under the conditions of emergency stop and planned stop, the angles of the ankles, knees, and hips of both lower limbs and the surface EMG signals were collected. Results Under different weight-bearing methods, the angles of both lower limbs ankle and hip joints were significantly different (p <0.05), while the knee joints did not change significantly, and the different stopping methods significantly affected the changes of each joint angle (P <0.001); The average myoelectricity of the leg tibia anterior muscle, lateral femoral muscle, and biceps femoris showed higher muscle activity during emergency stop. Conclusions In order to cope with the instability caused by weight-bearing and emergency stop, the elderly will have a corresponding balance mechanism in the lower limbs. During an emergency stop, braking the tibialis anterior muscle of the leg requires higher muscle activity to control the flexion angle of the ankle joint, thereby reducing the amplitude of the ankle joint fluctuation. The one-handed load increases the difference in work done between the braking leg and the trailing leg muscles, resulting in lateral instability. The experimental results can provide some guidance for the elderly to strengthen lower limb exercise, enhance gait balance ability, formulate safe gait strategies in weight-bearing situations, and prevent falls.