Effect of backpack position on foot weight distribution of school-aged children.
[Purpose] In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of backpack position on foot weight distribution of standing school-aged children. [Subjects] Thirty school-aged children volunteered to participate in this study. [Methods] The subjects randomly performed four types of carrying a backpack: no backpack (condition-1), carrying a backpack at C7 (condition-2), carrying a backpack at 10 cm below C7 (condition-3), and carrying a backpack at 20 cm below C7 (condition-4). [Results] Statistically significant differences were noted in the anterior and posterior pressure values, and in the anterior-to-posterior ratio, among the four conditions (p < 0.05). Post-hoc analysis indicated that the pressure value of condition-4 was significantly lower in the anterior foot region and higher in the posterior foot region than in condition-2 and condition-3. In addition, the anterior-to-posterior ratio was lower in condition-4 than in condition-2 and condition-3. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that carrying a backpack in a higher position, with fastening of the shoulder strap, may be more favorable for normalizing the foot weight distribution.
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Science, Daegu University, Republic of Korea.
Kyung
K
Kim
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Science, Daegu University, Republic of Korea.
Chang Ju
CJ
Kim
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Cheongju University, Republic of Korea.
Duck-Won
DW
Oh
Backpack position; Children; Weight distribution