THE EFFECT OF LOAD CARRIAGE AND SCHOOLBAG DESIGN ON LATERAL TRUNK POSTURE DURING STAIRS DESCENT IN CHILDREN

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the way that the schoolbag weight combined with carrying method effects the trunk posture laterally during stairs descent. Thirteen male children performed stairs ascending and descending on a 33-step staircase at their natural cadence for three complete cycles with athletic bag and backpack, each with loads of 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% of their body weight. The trunk posture of one complete gait cycle during every descent was analyzed. Significant load effects on trunk posture were found when the load was increased from 0% to 15% when carrying athletic bag, and when the load was increased to 20% when carrying backpack. For loads of 10%, 15% and 20% the body weight, a backpack design significantly reduced the trunk posture alternation compared with athletic bag.