Effects of backpack load and position on body strains in male schoolchildren while walking.

ABSTRACT: Data regarding the effects of backpack carriage on children's body strains while walking are limited. This study measured the body posture, muscle activation, and subjective discomfort scores of 12 male schoolchildren (age: 12.3 (range 12.1-13.0) y, height: 151.3 (range 144.2-154.6) cm, weight: 46.6 (range 43.6-49.7) kg) carrying backpacks weighing 5%, 10%, and 15% of their respective body weights (BWs) and walking for 10 min on a treadmill. For each load, three positions along the spinal column (T7, T12, and L3) were examined. Participants carrying a backpack weighing 15% of BW exhibited higher head flexion, trunk flexion, and corresponding muscle activation, and a lower lumbosacral angle compared with those carrying loads of 5% and 10% of BW. The waist received the highest discomfort sco

SUBMITTER: Chen YL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5862447 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature