Effect Of Different Backpack Loading On Static And Dynamic Balance Among Middle School Children Using The Humac Balance System

Abstract

Background: School-aged children experience pain and incapacity as a result of the growing trend of young pupils wearing large backpacks, which is said to create a substantial forward tilt of the head and trunk. The purpose of the current study was to ascertain how various backpack loading scenarios affected middle school students' static and dynamic balance.

Methods: In this study, 24 young, healthy school-age participants were recruited. (13 males with 11 females, average age = 11.17 years + 1.04, mean Body Mass Index (BMI) = 11.88 kg + 1.08). Baseline values were established for static and dynamic balance using the Humac Balance System. Backpacks weighing 10%, 15%, and 20% of the child’s body weight were given to them. Limits of stability (LOS) in dynamic balance and sway velocity categorized into four static balancing modes (Eyes open firm surface EOFS, Eyes closed firm surface ECFS, Eyes open soft surface EOSS, Eyes closed soft surface ECSF) were the outcome measurements.

Results:The findings indicated significant differences between backpack loading and static balance for EOSS at 20% as well as for EOFS and ECFS at 15% and 20% backpack weight utilizing the paired t-test for statistical comparisons. Similarly, for LOS at 20% backpack weight, a significant difference was seen between dynamic balance and backpack loading.

Conclusion: According to the Humac Balance system's variations, it is optimal to maintain balance or postural stability inside a support base when the backpack weight is less than 10% or between 10% and 15%.