earticle

영어

Spinal instability has been associated with impaired trunk control and altered gait stability, but little is known about how different bag-carrying methods influence gait characteristics in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of three different bag types on gait characteristics in adults with spinal instability. Thirty adults (16 men and 14 women; mean age, 22.3 ± 3.4 years) with spinal instability confirmed through spinal stability tests participated in this study. Gait variables—including velocity, cadence, stride length, double support time, base of support, swing phase symmetry index and stance phase symmetry index - were measured using the GAITRite system under three 7-kg bag conditions: backpack, shoulder bag, and handbag. Velocity and cadence were significantly higher when carrying the handbag (125.38 ± 11.30 cm/s and 119.41 ± 8.32 steps/min, respectively) compared with the shoulder bag (velocity: 121.96 ± 10.35 cm/s) and the backpack (velocity: 118.20 ± 10.88 cm/s; cadence: 114.40 ± 6.28 steps/min) (p<.001). Double support time was significantly lower with the handbag (0.24 ± 0.02 s) than with the shoulder bag (2.00 ± 2.10 s) and backpack (1.68 ± 1.37 s) (p<.001). The base of support was significantly wider when carrying the handbag (8.57 ± 6.92 cm) compared with the backpack (5.26 ± 5.04 cm) (p=.046). Additionally, both swing phase symmetry index (2.99 ± 2.34%) and stance phase symmetry index percentages (1.87 ± 1.48%) were significantly greater in the handbag condition than in the backpack condition (1.45 ± 1.43% and 0.89 ± 0.88%, respectively) (p=.003 and p=.002). These findings suggest that, in individuals with spinal instability, carrying a handbag increases velocity, cadence, base of support, and the proportion of the gait cycle spent in both the swing and stance phases, while reducing double support time.