The widespread use of heavy backpacks among adolescents raises concerns about the impact on musculoskeletal health. This study aims to investigate the effects of different backpack loads on shoulder strap tension during walking and running, using a springloaded shock-absorbing backpack. Methods: Fifteen healthy male adolescents participated in the study. Each carried a backpack with loads of 3.5 kg, 7 kg and 10.5 kg while walking at 2 m/s and running at 4 m/s. Shoulder strap tension was measured using custom-made tension sensors, and kinematic data were collected with a 3D motion capture system. Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) was applied to analyze tension variations across different gait phases. Results: Shoulder strap tension increased significantly with heavier loads during both walking and running ( p < 0.001). The tension varied throughout the gait cycle, with distinct patterns observed between walking and running. During walking, tension peaked at mid-stance, while in running, tension decreased during the absorption phase and increased sharply during propulsion. Significant differences between 7 kg and 10.5 kg loads were noted at specific gait intervals ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Backpack load significantly influences shoulder strap tension, with variations closely linked to gait phases. These findings highlight the importance of ergonomic backpack design, particularly for reducing shoulder strain in adolescents.
: Shoelace tightness is an important factor that may influence basketball players’ performance and injury risk during shuttle slip movement. This study aimed to examine the effects of shoelace tightness on shoelace tension, lower limb kinematics and kinetics, and subjective perception in basketball players. Methods: Sixteen male college basketball players performed lateral shuffle movements with their dominant foot landing on a force plate under three shoelace tightness conditions (loose, comfortable and tight). A motion capture system and a force plate were used to measure lower limb kinematics and kinetics, respectively. A customized wireless shoelace tension system was used to measure shoelace tension at three locations on the dorsum of the foot. Visual analogue scales were used to assess perceived comfort, foot pressure and in-shoe displacement. Results: Shoelace tension increased with shoelace tightness (loose: 13.56 ± 6.21 N, comfortable: 16.14 ± 5.35 N, tight: 21.25 ± 6.19 N) and varied with shoelace position (front: 20.19 ± 5.99 N, middle: 13.71 ± 5.59 N, rear: 17.04 ± 6.95 N). Shoelace tightness also affected some of the ankle joint kinematics and kinetics as well as the subjective ratings of foot pressure and in-shoe displacement ( p < 0.05). The loose shoelace increased the ankle inversion angle, while the comfortable shoelace decreased the knee negative power. The tight shoelace increased the perceived foot pressure and reduced the inshoe movement ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Shoelace tightness could significantly affect lower limb biomechanics and subjective perception during lateral shuffle in basketball. Basketball footwear designers should consider the incorporation of multiple shoelaces or zonal lacing systems to allow athletes to fine-tune the tension across different areas of the foot.
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