Comparison of Perceived Backpack Comfort Using Two Rating Scales

Abstract

Students' current use of backpacks to carry heavy loads of school material has promoted concern about musculoskeletal discomfort and postural problems. The purpose of this study was (a) to compare ratings of perceived comfort between subjects' personal backpacks and an experimental backpack and (b) to compare the data from two comfort rating scales. College-aged students (N= 19) in a random ordered, cross-over design rated their personal, traditional backpacks and experimental backpacks for perceived neck, shoulder, back, and overall comfort on a 100-mm Visual Analog Scale and on an Anatomical Illustration Rating Scale. Analysis indicated no significant difference in comfort ratings of backpacks on Visual Analog Scale but, on the Anatomical Illustration Rating Scale the experimental backpack was significantly (p<.05) more comfortable for the back. Further comparisons of backpacks, based on median splits of subjects' weight, height, and body mass index, indicated that body size is related to comfort ratings of backpacks. Special features of the experimental backpack may have contributed to greater comfort in selected areas based on body proportion. Subjective rating systems are not equally sensitive in distinguishing comfort. While backpacks with unique features may improve comfort, manufacturers should consider the size of the users in developing backpack designs.

Association of Relative Backpack Weight With Reported Pain, Pain Sites, Medical Utilization, and Lost School Time in Children and Adolescents

“…The study does not yield evidence about objective physical effects of long‐term backpack use. Finally, as with all correlational data, the current results could be validated by experimental manipulation of relative backpack weight over differing periods of time using both subjective and objective measures 36,41 …”

“… Use backpacks with waist belt supports on backpacks to reduce compression weight load carried on spinal structures or teach students to wear their backpacks lower on the back 37,36,41 Use rolling backpacks. Restrict the size of backpacks students are allowed to have or arrange for discount purchases of smaller backpacks, thereby forcing lower loads 4 …”

“…Use backpacks with waist belt supports on backpacks to reduce compression weight load carried on spinal structures or teach students to wear their backpacks lower on the back 37,36,41 …”

Turkish Version of Kolcaba's Immobilization Comfort Questionnaire: A Validity and Reliability Study

“…Furthermore, many factors, such as positioning, temperature, pressure, health, and the environment, plus physiological and psychological factors, affect comfort [2]. The visial analog scale (VAS), which is used in some studies to measure comfort, does not focus on the dimensions of comfort and only requires selecting a point between two end points [24][25][26]. Furthermore, the VAS was found to have lower sensitivity than Anatomical Illustration Rating Scale for some body areas and subgroups [26].…”

“…The visial analog scale (VAS), which is used in some studies to measure comfort, does not focus on the dimensions of comfort and only requires selecting a point between two end points [24][25][26]. Furthermore, the VAS was found to have lower sensitivity than Anatomical Illustration Rating Scale for some body areas and subgroups [26]. However, valid and reliable assessment tools are required to evaluate the effectiveness of patient care interventions [2].…”