Effect of backpack weight on postural angles in preadolescence school children

Pages: 34-39
Manisha Malik, Deepa Vinay and Kumkum Pandey (Department of Family Resource Management, College of Home Science, G.B. P.U.A & T., Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar Uttarakhand)

In order to minimize postural imbalances and injuries of preschool adolescents, the present experimental study was carried out on 7th class students of private sector schools of Meerut. Total 30 students, 15 (50%) boys and 15 (50%) girls students aged between 10 to 13 years were participated. The effect of backpack load carrying on posture was assessed to measure the angles as Craniovertebral angle (CVA), Craniohorizontal angle (CHA) and Saggital shoulder posture (SSP). In this study six treatments were included in static condition with dynamic loading (without backpack, different modes of carrying own backpack as over right shoulder, a both shoulders and 10 %, 15 % and 20 % backpack weight of reference body weight). Results revealed that there was small effect on CHA and CVA angle of boys and girls were affected when they carried 20 % of their body weight backpack with p value 0.020 in comparison with unloaded condition. SSP of girls and boys were affected due to the position of carrying in comparison with unloaded state. While carrying more than 10 % body weight, the SSP angle increased that lead to change in the shoulders as extension or more rounded shoulder if the forward head posture is increased.