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Is Basic Backpack Design Fundamentally Flawed?

Amy M. Schlessman, PT, DPT, DHS

November 12, 2014

Question

Is basic backpack design fundamentally flawed?  

Answer

Yes, it requires its wearer to use 10% more energy than if using a saddlebag design which has the load distributed in the front and rear of the body.  Entire load in the back creates a force, and a tendency for the back to want to fall backward.  Resisting this force leads to adverse symptoms such as pain, aches, fatique and numbness. 

This Ask the Expert question and answer taken from course 1891: Getting Children Ready to Learn: Pediatric Ergonomics and Safety by Amy Schlessman

 


amy m schlessman

Amy M. Schlessman, PT, DPT, DHS

Amy is an Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy Program and a Center of Teaching Excellence Faculty Liaison at the University of Findlay. She is the Website Co-Chair and Zoom Committee Chair for the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy. Amy has been practicing as a school-based PT for over 18 years, focusing on health promotion and physical activity embedded into academics and interprofessional collaboration, while closely working with educators, administrators, therapists, and parents. Her research on pediatric health promotion was published in Pediatric Physical Therapy. Amy also published, “Recycle Bin Boogie: Move and Learn with Recyclables,” a physical activity book combining academic concepts with common household recyclables. She has presented regionally and nationally on a variety of topics related to health promotion, active learning, school-based therapy, and special education. 


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