INTRODUCTION

At the University of Michigan as well as at other colleges and universities across the country, students rely on some sort of bag or brief case to carry their books and belongings. There are many different bag options available to students, each blending varying degrees of function and style. Recent trends around college campuses show that many students are switching from the traditional two-strapped backpack to a one-strapped over the shoulder messenger bag. A recent study warns that bags worn on one side or poorly positioned could weaken or damage posture by promoting significant elevation of the supporting shoulder and a deviation of the spine away from the weight of the bag (Pascoe et al., 1997). This poses an interesting question; are students putting themselves at serious risk for shoulder, back, and neck injuries as well as significant posture damage at the expense of style?

The purpose of this experiment is to determine the impact that different types of book bags have on posture and gait kinematics. In particular posture will be examined while carrying a traditional two-strapped backpack and a one-strapped messenger bag. Close attention will be paid to the elevation/depression of the shoulders and the lateral bending of the spine and neck during these two movements.