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Published on: January 17, 2013
Effects of backpack load position on spatiotemporal parameters and trunk forward lean
Tarkeshwar Singh1, Michael Koh
1School of Sports, Health and Leisure, Republic Polytechnic, 9 Woodlands Avenue 9, Singapore, Singapore. tarkeshwar.singh@gmail.com
Gait & Posture
|August 1, 2008
Summary
Heavy backpacks can destabilize children's gait. Studies show higher loads and lower backpack placement significantly alter walking speed, cadence, and balance strategies in children, potentially to prevent falls and injury.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Health
- Motor Control
Background:
- Rising backpack loads in children raise concerns about gait instability and falls.
- Young children possess developing motor control, making them more susceptible to load-induced instability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of backpack load carriage and its vertical position on children's gait and postural stability.
- To analyze temporal-spatial and kinematic parameters under static and dynamic conditions.
Main Methods:
- 17 children (mean age 9.65 years) participated.
- Participants walked on an instrumented treadmill with loads of 10%, 15%, and 20% bodyweight (BW).
- Loads were placed in high and low positions on the back; kinematic and temporal-spatial data were collected.
Main Results:
- A 20% BW load significantly altered walking velocity, cadence, and double support time compared to unloaded conditions.
- Lower backpack placement had a greater effect on spatiotemporal parameters than higher placement.
- Increased forward trunk lean was observed in dynamic conditions versus static conditions.
Conclusions:
- Children may adopt compensatory gait strategies (reduced velocity, increased double support time) to manage backpack-induced instability and musculoskeletal strain.
- Load placement (low vs. high) influences gait parameters, suggesting backpack positioning is critical.
- Static and dynamic balance strategies differ, highlighting the complexity of postural control with backpack loads.
