Effects of carrying a backpack in a symmetrical manner on the shape of the feet

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess changes in the shape of the feet while carrying a backpack constituting 10% of a child's weight. It was an observational, cross-sectional study involving 118 primary school children aged 11–13 years. Selected parameters of foot shape were assessed in both a normal position and with a backpack using podoscopy and a CQ-ST examination device. The study revealed significant differences in the length and width of the right and left feet between assessments. Moreover, the longitudinal arch of the foot was significantly lowered and deformity of the great toe was reported. Carrying a backpack constituting 10% of a child's weight results in lowering of the longitudinal and traverse arches of the feet and advanced toe deformities.

Abstract

Practitioner Summary: We performed an observational, cross-sectional study examining the effect of carrying a backpack constituting 10% of a child's weight on parameters of foot shape and observed significant lowering of the longitudinal and traverse arches of the feet and advanced toe deformities.

Keywords::

• feet
• backpack
• deformity
• shape

Acknowledgement

The authors thank Proper Medical Writing (infrared group s.c.) for language assistance in the preparation of this paper.

Figure 3 Changes in LGl as measured with and without load.

Figure 7 Changes in CLl as measured with and without load.

Figure 5 Changes in LG/WDr as measured with and without load.

Figure 2 Changes in LGr as measured with and without load.

Figure 6 Changes in CLr as measured with and without load.

Figure 4 Changes in WDr as measured with and without load.