Optimization of Backpack Design for Minimizing Lower Back Pain by Analyzing Points of Contact: A Literature Review and Experimental Study

Abstract

The prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) among students necessitates the exploration of effective solutions to mitigate the issue. This study aims to provide valuable insights into minimizing back strain and delaying the onset of back and shoulder pain by examining the points of contact between a conventional backpack and the back through a literature review and experiment. A ten-document literature review pertaining to experiments on LBP associated with backpack use highlights the prevalence of this issue and underscores the urgency for enhanced backpack designs. To simulate the effect of a heavy backpack load, a standard school backpack was loaded with a weight of 25 pounds and worn by two subjects of varying body sizes and shapes. The duration until pain emerged in any upper body region was measured while subjects wore the backpack with various support modifications. Subjective assessments, including pain-scale ratings and open-ended comments, were also recorded. Statistical analyses, such as ANOVA and Tukey HSD multiple/pairwise comparison tests, were conducted on the data collected from the subjects. We report that achieving complete lower-back contact and providing adequate shoulder support outperformed other modifications in reducing the onset of back pain. Consequently, a simple attachment was devised to supplement backpacks and alleviate back strain which is yet to be tested due to manufacturing limitations. This study serves as a foundation for informing the future design of ergonomic backpacks that prioritize optimal load distribution across the back while considering the importance of function and fashion.