Abstract
Background: The issues raised in this study were inspired by the concern for the musculoskeletal status of school children. Carrying excess weight in the form of a school bag in this period of life affects the correct body posture of school children. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of school bags on the feet force distribution on the ground and postural balance in children of both sexes between 11 and 15 years of age. Methods: The study investigated the distribution of pressure forces on the sole of the foot and its arch. The center of pressure for both feet and the whole body was also examined. The participants were 100 students from primary schools in Gdańsk, aged 11 to 15, including 54 girls and 46 boys. The research used a podobarographic platform that measures the distribution of foot pressure to the ground. The examinations included two measurements: in the first, the children stood on the platform in a natural position. Then, a 5 kg backpack was put on and they stood on the platform again. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of the foot pressure on the ground in the left metatarsus (p = 0.000) and heel (p = 0.000) after putting on the backpack in both girls and boys. However, in the right foot, these differences concerned the metatarsal area (p = 0.001). The results of the balance tests were only statistically significant in the group of girls in the right foot sway area (p = 0.020). Conclusions: The school backpack load led to an increase in the values of the heel and metatarsal area measured in the students, causing its flattening.
Highlights
Introduction iationsSchool children are teenagers who experience a period of rapid growth and development of bone and soft tissues
In many schools, there are no lockers for pupils where they could leave books that are not needed for the day or studying at home
Podological examinations before and after carrying the backpack showed a change in the distribution of forces in the study group
Summary
Introduction iationsSchool children are teenagers who experience a period of rapid growth and development of bone and soft tissues. An external load in the form of a school backpack, often used by children during the school period, may have a negative impact on joints, bone health, and body posture [4]. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of school bags on the feet force distribution on the ground and postural balance in children of both sexes between 11 and 15 years of age. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of the foot pressure on the ground in the left metatarsus (p = 0.000) and heel (p = 0.000) after putting on the backpack in both girls and boys. Conclusions: The school backpack load led to an increase in the values of the heel and metatarsal area measured in the students, causing its flattening
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