Postural sway modifications induced by backpack carriage in primary school children: a case study in Italy

Abstract

The aim of this investigation is to assess modifications in sway parameters introduced by backpack carriage in Italian primary school children (6–10 years old, n = 447). Two 30-s trials (without and with backpack) were performed directly at a school on a regular school day to collect data on sway area, centre of pressure path length and maximum displacement range in antero–posterior and medio–lateral directions. The results show a significant load-induced increase in all sway parameters and the existence of a linear relationship between sway area and backpack weight. Since postural sway represents an effective indicator of balance abilities, the alterations observed suggest that backpack carriage originates balance impairment and thus may increase the risk of unintentional falls in children.

Statement of Relevance: Loss of balance is among the primary causes of unintentional falls and postural sway represents an effective indicator of balance abilities. In this study, sway parameters were assessed in primary school children wearing backpacks. The differences that were observed show that backpack carriage potentially increases the risk of falls.

Keywords:

• backpack
• centre of pressure
• children
• postural sway
• posturography

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the Directors of the schools involved in the research (Professor Maria Marcella Vacca and Professor Valentina Savona) and the teacher Enrica Collu for their invaluable support in the organisation of test sessions. The help provided by Ms Elisa Priolo and Dr Bruno Leban in postural and anthropometric data acquisition was also greatly appreciated.