LOADED BACKPACK POSITIONS AFFECTS TRUNK POSITION DURING WALKING

Abstract

The effects of backpack loading on lower extremity function was examined. Ten subjects were prepared with a 20 3D-reflective marker set, videotaped by a 4-camera setup, on a level treadmill in four conditions: without backpack (WO), one-strap on right shoulder (1SR), two-strap on back (2SB), and two strap on front (2SF). The videotape was digitized. Significant differences (p <0.05) were found for: head tilt between WO (1.650+ 0.61) compared to 1SR (2.690+0.87); forward trunk lean between WO (7.120+2.16) compared to the mean of all backpack positions (4.260+1.81) and lateral trunk lean between WO (7.220+2.01) compared to the mean of all backpack positions (3.900+1.54). Backpack loading in most any position may require the stretching and strengthening of muscles affected by kinematic changes caused by wearing a loaded backpack.