Affiliations: [a] School of Health, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil
| [b] Biomechanics Laboratory, Center of Sports, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, Brazil
| [c] Department of Physical Therapy, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| [d] Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, Brazil
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Jansen Atier Estrázulas, Amazonas State University, 1693 Carvalho Leal Avenue, Manaus, Brazil. E-mail: jansenef@hotmail.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Backpacks used by children is a global concern, because may cause musculoskeletal discomforts and pain. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to test the usability and effects on gait kinematics wearing the Trunkpack versus a traditional backpack and no backpack. METHODS:Twenty-four children (9 to 11 years old) from a public school participated in this study. The usability was evaluated after a five-week testing period using a questionnaire. Gait kinematics was evaluated (Vicon) when the children were wearing a standard backpack, an optimized backpack (Trunkpack), and no backpack. Both backpacks were loaded with 10% of body weight. RESULTS:Was observed more trunk, hip and knee flexion when the children carried a standard backpack in comparison using the Trunkpack and not carrying a backpack (p < 0.01). The Trunkpack and no backpack were similar. The Trunkpack was well accepted by the schoolchildren (81% positive responses), 79% liked the head opening, 88% liked the waist straps, and 83% liked the facility to put and take objects in and out of the Trunkpack. CONCLUSION:Trunkpack requires less postural adjustments during gait than a standard backpack. Gait kinematics with the Trunkpack was comparable to the gait without carrying a backpack.
