Abstract des Autors

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of carrying method and load weight on movement kinematics of children during stair walking. The carrying methods examined included the backpack and the one-strap athletic bag. The load weights included 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% of body weight. Thirteen students (aged 12.21+/- 0.98 years) participated in this study. A two-dimensional video filming recorded the complete gait cycles of the subjects with each combination of carrying method and load weight when they ascended and descended stairs. Results showed that loads of 10 % of body weight or greater induced significantly greater trunk-forward inclination in subjects ascending stairs, whereas athletic bags were found to cause a greater trunk range of motion than the backpack during stair descent. Attention should be paid to the loads of school bags carried by children when stair walking is required in school activities. The backpack was found to be safer than the one-strap athletic bag for children stair walking. Verf.-Referat