The effects of backpack carriage on gait kinematics and kinetics of schoolchildren

There has been a growing concern among clinical and educational practitioners, as well as, policy makers on the use of backpacks by schoolchildren. On a daily basis, pupils spend a significant amount of time carrying stuffed and heavy backpacks. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of backpack carriage with different loads on spatiotemporal parameters of gait, plantar pressure and force distribution under different foot regions in schoolchildren. We have assessed fifty-seven primary school students (7-9 years-old) performing four walks of 10 m (carrying 0%, 10%, 15% of body mass in the backpack and the load they brought to school). A floor-based photocell system was used to collect the gait kinematics and insoles capacitive pressure sensors the kinetics. Children walked slower and at lower cadence with the load brought to school than in the other three conditions. There was no significant main effect on stride length. Backpack carriage with different loads did have a significant effect on plantar pressure and force distribution. We noted that heavier the load, higher the pressure and force under different foot regions. Our findings highlight that gait biomechanics of children (such as stride kinematics and pressure under the feet) is affected by carrying loads in the backpacks.