Variation of spatiotemporal parameters in school children carrying different backpack loads: a cross sectional study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze spatiotemporal parameters of gait in children using varyingly loaded Backpacks(BP). This cross-sectional study examined 231 schoolchildren (118 boys, 113 girls) aged six to 12 years, carrying a traditional BP to manipulate loading (Crossing Backpack Children Arpenaz 7 Litres, Junior Red Quechua). Load was added to the BPs in increments of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of the child’s body weight. Spatio-temporal parameters were measured with the OptoGait system. Significant differences were observed in single support (p < 0.001), and double support (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in step length (p = 0.959) between the five loading conditions. Similarly, no statistically significant differences were found in the contact phase (p = 0.208), although significant changes were seen between baseline, 15% of body weight (p < 0.005), and 20% of body weight (p < 0.005). The effect sizes from the ANOVA in the single support was low (0.015), and double support was moderate (0.02). Increased weight in BPs reduced both children’s balance and single support, increased double support, but did not change step length. The children increase double support with heavier loads to help their balance. The spatio-temporal changes were most evident with BP loads between 15–20% of body weight. Affective responses, including the perception of heaviness or difficulty in carrying the schoolbags need to be included in further and prospective investigations.

Einfluss des Schulrucksackgewichtes bei Grundschulkindern: Gang, Muskelaktivität, Haltung und Stabilität

“…Auch die Verlängerung der Doppelunterstützungsphase, bei der beide Füße gleichzeitig am Boden verbleiben, ist ein Indiz für die Zunahme der Instabilität. Eine reduzierte Ganggeschwindigkeit mit verkürzter Schrittlänge und verlängerter Doppelunterstützungsphase konnten auch in anderen Studien sowohl bei Kindern als auch Erwachsenen gezeigt werden [ 1 , 6 , 27 , 33 ].…”

Influence of School Backpack Load as a Variable Affecting Gait Kinematics among Seven-Year-Old Children

“…This is the first study to present the spatiotemporal gait parameters under four different loading conditions (0%, 10%, 15% and 20% BW) of additional load carried in the backpack by seven-year-old girls and boys. In contrast to other similar research [ 47 , 48 ], the novelty of our study is that only first-grade students who had just started using BPs, were examined. Therefore, the early effects of using BPs were captured.…”

Kinematic analysis and self-perceived exertion during the walking gait with a backpack in Brazilian scholars

“…Therefore, the scholars reduced their balance phase of walking gait. It demonstrates a higher necessity to use the support limbs for carrying the backpack, favoring the postural stability during the walking gait1 11,22 . Significant adaptations in time-space parameters of walking gait in the 15% and 20% load conditions were also reported in the recent studies of Rashid et al 21 and Paez-Moguer et al 11 .…”

“…In the timespace variables such as single support time, double support time, velocity, and stride time, no significant differences were found among the load conditions. Paez-Moguer et al 11 described a linear increase in the double support time according to the increase in the backpack load (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). The authors indicated that the most evident differences in the space-time parameters of walking gait occurred between the 15% and 20% loads.…”