Differences in walking and running parameters in elementary school students with and without backpacks
Yasuaki Kusumoto1, Eri Takahashi1, Yasuhiro Endo1
1Department of Physical Therapy, Fukushima Medical University School of Health Sciences, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan.
Work (Reading, Mass.)
|May 17, 2024
Summary
Children with backpack syndrome (BS) showed altered running mechanics when carrying a backpack, unlike their peers without pain. This highlights potential differences in how backpack use affects gait in children experiencing pain.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Biomechanics
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Backpack syndrome (BS) is associated with shoulder and back pain in children, often linked to backpack use.
- Limited research exists on how backpacks affect walking and running parameters in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gait parameter differences in primary school children with and without backpack syndrome (BS).
- To compare the effects of carrying a backpack on walking and running in children with and without BS.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 51 children (ages 6-12).
- Children were categorized into BS or control groups based on reported pain.
- Gait parameters were measured during walking and running, with and without a 6 kg backpack.
Main Results:
- Walking with a backpack increased cadence and speed in all children.
- Running with a backpack decreased stride length and speed in the BS group.
- Running parameters showed an interaction effect for speed and stride length in the BS group.
Conclusions:
- Children with BS exhibit altered running biomechanics when carrying a backpack.
- The findings suggest distinct responses to backpack load between children with and without BS.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of these gait changes.
