Estimation of the influence of the design of school backpacks to posture regulation in children with different posture conditions

Abstract

There was performed the study of the characteristics of the regulation of vertical posture in 42 children of 8-10 years old using school bags of different designs. According to medical examination 25 children have normal posture and 17 children had kyphotic one. The stability of the posture was estimated according to the average variance and the average velocity of the total center of gravity of the body, the area of the ellipse, and the quality of the equilibrium function with computer stabilography. Three models of school bags were used - with traditional, ergonomic and orthopedic back support. Vertical posture stability for children with impaired posture without school bag and when used with traditional and ergonomic back were significantly lower in comparison with children with normal posture. When the orthopedic back was used the stability impairment of the vertical posture in children with kyphotic posture was not observed. It is concluded that for the prevention of spinal deformity for students with kyphotic posture orthopedic school bags should be used.