The response of the body when carrying a handbag.
BACKGROUND
Carrying a load in hand is commonly seen in daily life. There were many studies investigating the optimal weight when carrying a backpack, however, only a few studies investigated optimal weight when carrying a bag in different ways.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the optimal weight for carrying a handbag.


METHODS
This study involved 13 healthy females, randomized into four carrying weight patterns [no load, bag weight of 5% body weight (BW), 7% BW, and 10% BW] who were walking barefoot on the platform at preferable speed. The center of pressure (COP) was collected by the platform. Spinous processes of C7, T1, T12, L1, S2 and the right tragus were attached with markers. The muscle activities of upper trapezius, erector spinae, and rectus abdominis muscles were measured. All data including discomfort scale were recorded.


RESULTS
The spinal curvature was not affected from carrying a handbag. However, the COP trend was toward the carrying side when carrying a greater load. Asymmetrical activities of the upper trapezius and erector spinae were shown (p < 0.05). The discomfort areas were the right upper trapezius and right finger flexor muscles.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuously carrying a handbag greater than 10% BW can cause musculoskeletal problems.
Division of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand.
C
C
Phonpichit
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
W
W
Chansirinukor
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
C
C
Akamanon
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D013131:Spine / Q000502:physiology; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
Bag; center of pressure; optimal weight; spinal curvature; symmetry