Abstract: BACKGROUND: Carrying a load in hand is commonly seen in daily life. There were many studies investigating the optimal weight when carrying a backpack, however, only a few studies investigated optimal weight when carrying a bag in different ways. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the optimal weight for carrying a handbag. METHODS: This study involved 13 healthy females, randomized into four carrying weight patterns [no load, bag weight of 5% body weight (BW), 7% BW, and 10% BW] who were walking barefoot on the platform at preferable speed. The center of pressure (COP) was collected by the platform. Spinous processes of C7, T1, T12, L1, S2 and the right tragus were attached with markers. The muscle activities of upper trapezius, erector spinae, and rectus abdominis muscles were measured. All data including discomfort scale were recorded. RESULTS: The spinal curvature was not affected from carrying a handbag. However, the COP trend was toward the carrying side when carrying a greater load. Asymmetrical activities of the upper trapezius and erector spinae were shown (p < 0.05). The discomfort areas were the right upper trapezius and right finger flexor muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Continuously carrying a handbag greater than 10% BW can cause musculoskeletal problems.
Keywords: Bag, optimal weight, center of pressure, spinal curvature, symmetry
