Postural balance and neck angle changes in school children while carrying a traditional backpack versus a double-sided bag

Study aim: This study compared the body balance and neck angle differences in children when carrying a traditional backpack versus a double-sided bag. Material and methods: By using the Biodex balance system and a three dimensional motion analysis system, the postural bal­ance and neck angles were assessed in 33 school children while carrying a traditional backpack or a double-sided bag, weigh­ing 15% of body weight. Results: The overall and anteroposterior stability indices were significantly higher when carrying a traditional backpack com­pared to no load and a double-sided bag (p < 0.05). The mediolateral stability index was significantly higher when carrying the traditional backpack and the double-sided bag compared to no load (p < 0.05). The craniohorizontal angle was significantly greater, and the craniovertebral angle and sagittal shoulder posture were significantly lesser when carrying the traditional back­pack compared to no load and the double-sided bag conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Carrying the double-sided bag restores the body balance and head posture to a condition that is similar to the no load condition.