The Effect of Bag Carrying Style on Gait Parameters in Healthy Adults

NCT ID: NCT06992518

Last Updated: 2025-05-28

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Total Enrollment

15 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2023-10-01

Study Completion Date

2024-09-01

Brief Summary

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This observational crossover study aims to evaluate how different bag carrying styles-backpack, shoulder bag, and handbag-may affect gait parameters in healthy adults. Fifteen participants will walk under four conditions (no bag and each of the three bag types with a load of 15% of body weight), with the order randomized. Gait will be assessed using a 3D motion capture system with integrated force plates. Posture and lower extremity muscle strength will also be evaluated for baseline characterization.

Detailed Description

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This observational crossover study was conducted at a university-based Gait Analysis Center between October 2023 and October 2024, following ethical approval from the University Medical Research Ethics Committee (approval number: 2022-19/07, dated 09.12.2022). The study aimed to evaluate how different bag carrying styles-specifically, carrying a backpack, a shoulder bag, and a handbag-may influence gait parameters in healthy adults.

Fifteen volunteers aged 18 to 30 years who met predefined inclusion criteria were enrolled. Baseline posture was evaluated using the New York Posture Analysis (NYPA), and lower extremity muscle strength was assessed with a handheld myometer to ensure a consistent starting profile across participants. These values were recorded for characterization purposes only and were not analyzed in association with gait outcomes.

Each participant completed walking trials under four different conditions: walking without a bag, with a backpack, with a shoulder bag, and with a handbag. The order of these conditions was randomized for each participant. For each loaded condition, bags were adjusted to carry 15% of the individual's body weight. Participants walked barefoot at a self-selected pace on a 10-meter walkway while gait data were collected using a 3D motion analysis system (Vicon) integrated with force plates. Reflective markers were placed on anatomical reference points on the lower extremities.

Spatial-temporal, kinematic, and kinetic gait parameters were recorded in each condition, including stride length, cadence, joint angles, and joint power. Rest periods of at least three minutes were provided between walking conditions to reduce fatigue. All measurements were performed during a single session.

This study used a prospective crossover design in which each participant was observed under all four conditions. No therapeutic or clinical interventions were applied. The goal was to observe within-subject variability in gait characteristics associated with temporary exposure to different bag-carrying styles under standardized laboratory conditions.

Conditions

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Gait Analysis 3D Gait Analysis

Study Design

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Observational Model Type

CASE_CROSSOVER

Study Time Perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* 18-30 years of age,
* score above 45 on the New York Posture Analysis (NYPA)
* lower extremity muscle strength values measured with myometer greater than 24,
* No strenuous physical activity 48 hours before
* Being cooperative with the measurements and tests, and volunteering to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

* Having a diagnosed orthopedic or neurological problem,
* Having visual problems,
* Having a body mass index of 30 kg/m² or more,
* Having pain complaints due to a history of trauma in the last 1 month,
* Having a leg length difference of more than 0.5 cm
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

30 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Gökçen Erol

MSc, PT

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Yıldız ANALAY AKBABA, Assoc. Prof, PT

Role: STUDY_DIRECTOR

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa,Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Locations

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Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Health Sciences, Büyükçekmece Campus, Alkent 2000 Mah. Yiğittürk Street No:5/9/1, Büyükçekmece/Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, büyükçekmece, Turkey (Türkiye)

Site Status

Countries

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Turkey (Türkiye)

References

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Ozgul B, Akalan NE, Kuchimov S, Uygur F, Temelli Y, Polat MG. Effects of unilateral backpack carriage on biomechanics of gait in adolescents: a kinematic analysis. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2012;46(4):269-74. doi: 10.3944/aott.2012.2678.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 22951758 (View on PubMed)

Cottalorda J, Rahmani A, Diop M, Gautheron V, Ebermeyer E, Belli A. Influence of school bag carrying on gait kinetics. J Pediatr Orthop B. 2003 Nov;12(6):357-64. doi: 10.1097/01.bpb.0000078270.58527.1f.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 14530691 (View on PubMed)

Connolly BH, Cook B, Hunter S, Laughter M, Mills A, Nordtvedt N, Bush A. Effects of backpack carriage on gait parameters in children. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2008 Winter;20(4):347-55. doi: 10.1097/PEP.0b013e31818a0f8f.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 19011525 (View on PubMed)

Alamoudi, M., Travascio, F., Onar-Thomas, A., Eltoukhy, M., & Asfour, S. (2018). The effects of different carrying methods on locomotion stability, gait spatio-temporal parameters and spinal stresses. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 67, 81-88.

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Ahn, J. (2006). The effects of asymmetric load of shoulder bag on trunk and pelvis movement patterns of normal adult during gait. The Graduate School of Health and Environment Yonsei University, Master's thesis.

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Abaraogu UO, Ugwa WO, Onwuka E, Orji E. Effect of single and double backpack strap loading on gait and perceived exertion of young adults. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2016;29(1):109-15. doi: 10.3233/BMR-150605.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 26406186 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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GErol2

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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