Impact of backpack type on respiratory muscle strength and lung function in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Biomechanics
• Occupational Health

Background:

• School backpacks are commonly used by children, but their impact on respiratory function is not well understood.
• Previous research has not extensively explored the biomechanical effects of different backpack designs on pediatric respiratory mechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of different backpack carrying methods on lung function and respiratory muscle strength in children.
• To compare the effects of unloaded standing versus carrying a load with single-strap and double-strap backpacks.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-seven children participated in the study.
• Lung function (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second) and respiratory muscle strength (maximal expiratory pressure) were measured.
• Measurements were taken under four conditions: unloaded standing and carrying 15% body weight using a mono shoulder strap backpack, a bilateral shoulder strap backpack (worn over one shoulder), and a bilateral shoulder strap backpack (worn over both shoulders).

Main Results:

• Significantly lower forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and maximal expiratory pressure were observed when children used a mono shoulder strap backpack compared to standing unloaded.
• The restrictive effect on lung function and decrease in expiratory muscle strength were most pronounced with the mono shoulder strap backpack.

Conclusions:

• Backpack design significantly impacts children's lung function and respiratory muscle strength.
• Mono shoulder strap backpacks impose a greater restrictive effect and reduce expiratory muscle strength more than double strap backpacks.
• Double strap backpacks are recommended over mono shoulder strap backpacks to mitigate negative respiratory effects in children.