Journal article
Changing the horizontal position of a fixed backpack load: The effect on postural stability in young adults
Work, Vol.76(3), pp.1099-1104
2023
PMID: 37182859
Abstract
Background: Modifying the horizontal position of the load in a backpack will change the size of the external torque it creates on the wearer but the effect on postural stability is unclear.
Objective: To determine if changing the horizontal position of a fixed backpack load affects postural stability in young adults.
Methods: A backpack was attached to a steel frame with a bar protruding posteriorly. A fixed load (5% body mass) was placed at three distances along the bar - 0 m, 0.20 m, and 0.40 m. Centre of pressure (CoP) derived measurements were recorded from a force platform sampling at 100 Hz. For each condition participants performed three 90s narrow stance trials with their eyes closed whilst standing on a firm surface. A comparison was made across unloaded (no backpack) and loaded conditions.
Results: There was an immediate decrease in postural stability when a loaded backpack was worn. Only two of the CoP derived measures (Total Excursion - TEx, and Mean Velocity Total Excursion - MVel TEx) differed between the loaded at 0.20 m and loaded at 0 m conditions. All CoP derived measures differed between the loaded at 0.40 m and loaded at 0 m conditions. Furthermore, three of the CoP derived measures (Anterior/Posterior Root Mean Square - A/P RMSq, TEx, and MVel TEx) differed between the loaded at 0.40 m and loaded at 0.20 m conditions.
Conclusion: The distribution of a load within a backpack must be carefully considered. The findings for the 0.40 m condition are important for the use and design of large backpacks used by multi-day hikers, travellers, and the military.
Details
- Title
- Changing the horizontal position of a fixed backpack load: The effect on postural stability in young adults
- Authors
- Lee Daffin (Corresponding Author) - Murdoch UniversityStanley Innes (Author) - Faculty of Allied Health and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UKMax Stuelcken (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
- Publication details
- Work, Vol.76(3), pp.1099-1104
- Publisher
- IOS Press
- Date published
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.3233/WOR-230044
- ISSN
- 1875-9270
- PMID
- 37182859
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99725896302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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