Biomedical Human Kinetics (May 2018)

Postural balance and neck angle changes in school children while carrying a traditional backpack versus a double-sided bag

  • Mosaad Dalia Mohammed,
  • Abdel-aziem Amr Almaz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1515/bhk-2018-0010
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 1
pp. 59 – 66

Abstract

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Study aim: This study compared the body balance and neck angle differences in children when carrying a traditional backpack versus a double-sided bag. Material and methods: By using the Biodex balance system and a three dimensional motion analysis system, the postural bal­ance and neck angles were assessed in 33 school children while carrying a traditional backpack or a double-sided bag, weigh­ing 15% of body weight. Results: The overall and anteroposterior stability indices were significantly higher when carrying a traditional backpack com­pared to no load and a double-sided bag (p < 0.05). The mediolateral stability index was significantly higher when carrying the traditional backpack and the double-sided bag compared to no load (p < 0.05). The craniohorizontal angle was significantly greater, and the craniovertebral angle and sagittal shoulder posture were significantly lesser when carrying the traditional back­pack compared to no load and the double-sided bag conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Carrying the double-sided bag restores the body balance and head posture to a condition that is similar to the no load condition.

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