banner.jpg Effect of backpack loads on neck and trunk positions – A pilot study Lalana Kanokchaipramote1, Santhanee Khruakhorn2,Siriluck Kanchanomai2 and Patcharee Kooncumchoo2 1 Field of Human Factors in Engineering and Ergonomics, Medical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand. 2Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand. ABSTRACT

Carrying heavy backpacks could cause of pain related to musculoskeletal disorders; neck pain, back pain. Most of studies investigated the effect of backpack load have focused on children, soldiers, hikers, but the adults are rarely considered. The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine in the effect of backpack load on neck and trunk positions for adults. Method: Standing posture in sagittal plane of 2 participants were recorded under several load carrying conditions in static and dynamic movement. Results and discussion: On static posture, 15-20%BW had tendency to decrease cervical angle and increase forward trunk lean angle. On dynamic movement, 15-20%BW showed tendency to decrease cervical angle after 10 min. walk, while 20%BW was increased forward trunk lean angle.

Keywords: Backpack Cervical angle, Forward trunk lean angle, Pain.

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