Effects of sex and mode of carrying schoolbags on ground reaction forces and temporal characteristics of gait

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different modes of carrying schoolbags on children. Ten girls and eight boys walked without a bag (NO-BAG), with a bag placed low at the back (LBACK), with a back placed high at the back (HBACK) and carrying the bag using the handle (HANDBAG). Ground reaction forces and temporal characteristics were recorded. When carrying a schoolbag, children walked with shorter strides, at lower speeds, with higher double support phase and increased vertical ground reaction forces compared with the NO-BAG condition (P<0.01). Compared with normal walking biomechanics, the HANDBAG condition showed the highest alterations, whereas the LBACK the least. Carrying the schoolbag by the handle has the largest effect on gait characteristics. Wearing backpacks by adjusting the shoulder straps to a loose position may reduce schoolbag effects.