INTRODUCTION

We are comparing stairclimbing with a backpack vs. without and how it affects the motion of the trunk segment, hip joint, and knee joint. We are looking at stairclimbing opposed to walking on level ground because there is a relationship between the number of stairs climbed and the relative risk factors for osteoarthrosis of the hip in women. (Vingard et al., 1997) Furthermore, we are looking at stairclimbing with a backpack because it increases the load, and there is a relationship between higher physical loads and relative risk factors for osteoarthrosis of the hip. (Vingard et al, 1997) We are interested in this topic because our gender predisposes us to these relative risk factors. Our risk is also increased because we are in college and frequently have to walk upstairs with backpacks.

 The purpose of our study is to compare walking upstairs with a backpack versus without. To understand how use of a backpack might affect hip loads during stairclimbing, we will analyze the motion of the trunk segment, hip joint, and knee joint.