32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Effect of Backpack on Postural Sway in College Men and Women
Jack M. Miller* and Mackenzie R. Beck
Dr. Jerry Mayhew, Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of backpack carriage on stationary postural sway in college-aged men and women. Students (5 men and 11 women) volunteered to be measured for deviation of weight distribution using a computerized balance platform. Each participant completed 4 one-minute standing trials (2 with and 2 without backpack) to determine percent of time centered medio-laterally and antero-posteriorally. Average backpack weight was 6.5 ± 1.8 kg and did not differ between genders nor was it correlated with postural sway in either direction. There was no significant difference with vs without backpack for medio-lateral (82.1 ± 26.5% vs 79.4 ± 27.8%) or antero-posterior positions (36.1 ± 9.0% vs 38.7 ± 9.7%). Unilateral carriage of a backpack does not appear to significantly affect postural balance in college men or women. Further investigation of the effect of backpack carriage on walking posture would be warranted.
Keywords: backpack, postural sway, stationary, weight distribution, unilateral, balance, posture, college
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 5-13
Location: SUB GEO
Time: 3:00