Affiliations: School of Physical Therapy, Massachusetts College of
Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Worcester, MA, USA | Department of Physical Therapy, Miller School of
Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Fran Kistner, PT, PhD, CEAS, 19
Foster St., Worcester, MA 01608, USA. Tel.: +1 508 373 5749; Fax: +1 508 373
5765; E-mail: frances.kistner@mcphs.edu
Abstract: Objective: This study examined the effects of various backpack
loads on elementary schoolchildren's posture and postural compensations as
demonstrated by a change in forward head position. Subjects: A convenience sample of 11 schoolchildren, aged 8–11 years participated. Methods: Sagittal digital photographs were taken of each subject standing
without a backpack, and then with the loaded backpack before and after walking
6 minutes (6MWT) at free walking speed. This was repeated over three
consecutive weeks using backpacks containing randomly assigned weights of
10%, 15%, or 20% body weight of each respective subject. The
craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured using digitizing software, recorded
and analyzed. Results: Subjects demonstrated immediate and statistically
significant changes in CVA, indicating increased forward head positions upon
donning the backpacks containing 15% and 20% body weight. Following the
6MWT, the CVA demonstrated further statistically significant changes for all
backpack loads indicating increased forward head postures. For the 15 &
20%BW conditions, more than 50% of the subjects reported discomfort after
walking, with the neck as the primary location of reported pain. Conclusions: Backpack loads carried by schoolchildren should be limited to
10% body weight due to increased forward head positions and subjective
complaints at 15% and 20% body weight loads.
Keywords: Children, cervical, posture, forward head
