The effect of backpack weight and position on subject discomfort and forward trunk lean for college students

Abstract

This survey explored the significance of the factors of backpack weight and position on the discomfort and forward trunk lean angle. The survey included 10 test subjects, used a local average backpack weight for testing, and a 2² factorial design for the analysis. Photographs were analyzed to determine forward trunk lean angle and a survey was used to collect discomfort information. Angle of forward trunk lean was measured from a base angle and the values varied from 0.95 degrees to 14.98 degrees. The forward trunk lean angle was not significantly affected by either factor (weight and position). The discomfort was also a measured variable in this survey and was shown to vary on a scale of 0 to 10 by up to 3 points at maximum discomfort. The results showed that discomfort significantly increased due to increased backpack weight as well as the lowering of the backpack from a standard carrying position.

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