Influence of backpack weight on biomechanical and physiological responses of children during treadmill walking

This study examined the biomechanical and physiological responses of children to carrying backpack of 0 per cent (as control), 10 per cent, 15 per cent and 20 per cent of their own body weight during treadmill walking. When compared to 0 per cent load condition, 20 per cent body weight load induced significant increase in trunk forward lean, double support duration, stance duration and metabolic cost, and decrease in trunk angular motion and swing duration with a prolonged blood pressure recovery time. Fifteen per cent load condition induced significant increase in trunk forward lean and prolonged blood pressure recovery time. No significant difference was found in the measured parameters between 10 per cent and 0 per cent load conditions.