Load distribution and postural changes in young adults when wearing a traditional backpack versus the BackTpack

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Ergonomics
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Traditional backpacks (BP) can cause poor posture and low back pain due to posterior load placement.
• Understanding postural and load distribution differences is crucial for mitigating these effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare postural and load distribution between a traditional backpack (BP) and a nontraditional backpack (BTP).
• To evaluate the impact of different load levels (No Load, 15% body weight, 25% body weight) on posture during static stance and walking.

Main Methods:

• 24 healthy young adults participated in the study.
• A 3D motion analysis system was used to capture postural data.
• Participants completed static stance and walking trials with both backpack types at varying load levels.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in trunk angle, head angle, and lower extremity mechanics were observed between backpack types and load conditions.
• The traditional backpack (BP) at 25% body weight caused an average decrease of 14° in trunk angle and a 13° increase in head angle.
• The nontraditional backpack (BTP) at 25% body weight resulted in smaller average postural changes (7.5° trunk angle, 7° head angle).

Conclusions:

• The nontraditional backpack (BTP) more closely maintained natural stance and gait patterns compared to the traditional backpack (BP).
• The BTP's ability to support a more upright posture may help reduce poor posture characteristics.
• This improved posture could potentially decrease the incidence of low back pain and related musculoskeletal complications.