1. Backpacks are a common form of manual transportation used by people of all ages, including schoolchildren.
2. Poor backpack use can lead to permanent deformities and musculoskeletal problems due to asymmetrical posture adaptation during gait.
3. This study aimed to find the optimal backpack weight for children without affecting their dynamic posture using gait parameters as an indicator.
The article is generally trustworthy and reliable, as it provides evidence from multiple sources to support its claims and conclusions. The authors cite relevant studies from different countries and organizations, which adds credibility to their findings. Additionally, the authors provide detailed information on the methodology used in the study, which further adds to its reliability.
However, there are some potential biases that should be noted in this article. For example, the study only included male participants aged 14-20 years old, which may limit the generalizability of the results to other age groups or genders. Additionally, while the authors mention that they excluded participants with any physical injuries or medical conditions that could affect their gait patterns, it is unclear if they also excluded participants with any pre-existing musculoskeletal issues that could have impacted their results.
Furthermore, while the authors mention that they analyzed frontal plane motion when there were significant sagittal plane deviations, they do not provide any details on how these deviations were measured or what criteria was used for determining significance. Additionally, while the authors suggest limiting backpack loads to 20% of body weight for safety reasons, they do not discuss any potential risks associated with carrying heavier loads than this recommendation or explore counterarguments against this suggestion.
In conclusion, while this article is generally trustworthy and reliable due to its evidence-based approach and detailed methodology description, there are some potential biases and missing points of consideration that should be noted when interpreting its results and conclusions.