Impact of Backpack on Static and Dynamic Balance among School Going Adolescents

Improper backpack usage, particularly when it involves excessive loading, has been associated with altered biomechanics that can negatively affect posture and balance in school-going adolescents. This issue remains largely under-recognized despite its potential long-term implications on musculoskeletal health. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of backpack load on both static and dynamic balance in adolescents, with the goal of providing evidence-based insights to support clinicians, educators, parents, and students in preventing and managing these adverse effects. A total of 84 school children between the ages of 13 and 18 years participated in the study. Balance was assessed using the Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) for static balance and the Functional Reach Test (FRT) for dynamic balance. Each participant was tested under two conditions: with and without their school backpack. Statistical analysis was conducted using the paired t-test to determine the significance of differences in balance scores. Results revealed that 50% of the participants carried backpacks exceeding 15% of their body weight, which is the commonly recommended safe threshold. The mean SLST time decreased significantly from 37.05 ± 15.26 seconds without a backpack to 23.98 ± 12.69 seconds with a backpack. Similarly, the FRT score dropped from a mean of 29.72 ± 5.43 cm without a backpack to 24.18 ± 5.92 cm with a backpack, with both findings being statistically significant (p