Assessing the Impact of Backpack Carrying Styles on Users’ Discomfort

The increasing awareness about the impact of backpack usage on musculoskeletal health, particularly the spine and associated muscles, has driven research on how different carrying styles, like single-strap and crossbody, contribute to users’ discomfort. This study preliminarily examined the discomfort experienced by college students using various school bag-carrying methods and the role of chest and waist straps in optimizing load distribution and reducing discomfort. The study used a controlled treadmill walking test to evaluate users’ discomfort across three carrying configurations: one-strap, two-straps, and four-straps. Four participants without any history of musculoskeletal issues walked on the treadmill under these three scenarios, each carrying a load equivalent to 15% of their body weight. Discomfort was measured on a scale from 0 to 10, ranging from no discomfort to unbearable discomfort for key body areas such as the neck, upper back, lower back, right shoulder, left shoulder, knee, and ankle. A standardized questionnaire was used to record discomfort, ensuring an objective assessment of the load’s influence on each participant. The results showed that the carrying method affected discomfort levels. Participants experienced substantial discomfort with the one-strap configuration due to the uneven distribution of the load, while the two-straps configuration provided more comfort due to better load distribution across both sides of the body. However, the four-straps configuration offered the most effective load distribution, minimizing muscle strain and discomfort compared to the one-strap and two-straps configurations. These findings are crucial for promoting the design and use of ergonomically enhanced backpacks for college students, especially in settings where heavy loads are frequently carried while promoting better postural stability.