Exploring the impact of Backpack carrying on plantar pressure and gait patterns in children: A systematic review

Background: Since ages backpacking has been accepted as an essential and convenient form of daily practice for carrying supplies to school. However, this daily act adds 8-12% of additional weight to the body's stipulated weight, which imposes negative impact on one's locomotor system. Methods: Databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, PEDro, MEDLINE and Cochrane were searched in a thorough manner. Methodological quality was assessed independently by two authors, using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies. Results: In total 18 studies with 2131 patients included in the review. The mean age of patients included is 15.2 +/- 2.4 years. Backpack carriage significantly affects plantar pressure distribution and gait parameters in children. Increased pressure on the forefoot and heel regions was consistently reported, along with alterations in stride length, step width, and walking speed. Factors such as backpack design, load distribution, and individual characteristics further influenced these effects. Conclusion: Findings reveal regular use of school backpack by children pose deteriorating impact on their plantar pressure, thereby affecting the spatiotemporal parameters of gait.