Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: There has been concern over the years about the type and style of carrying bag (Back Pack, Front Pack, Messenger bag, one shoulder strap bag) which can be advised to the youths. The purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the influence of different styles of carrying bags on gait in normal subjects. Material and methods: Thirty subjects of both gender (13 males and 17 females) with age ranging from 20 to 30 years participated in this study. They were assigned in one group, Each subject was assessed five times carrying 15% of his body weight while walking normally (reference) ,walking carrying Backpack ,walking carrying front pack, walking carrying Messenger bag and walking carrying one shoulder strap bag. Gait Analysis was done with measuring Step length, Stride length, Cadence and Velocity for each carrying style by using 2D CorelCAD software program. Results: There were significant differences in the mean values of step length, stride Length, cadence among different carrying styles with (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference among all different carrying styles in the velocity with (P >0.05). Conclusion: The backpack carrying style is the best method of carrying loads; it has the nearest gait parameters compared to the reference (no pack walking)

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