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Backpacks Effect on Foot Posture in Schoolchildren with a Neutral Foot Posture: A Three-Year Prospective Study

Author

Listed:
  • Pilar Alfageme-García

    (Nursing Department, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
    Nursing Departament, University Center of Plasencia, University of Extremadura, 10600 Plasencia, Spain)

  • Julián Fernando Calderón-García

    (Nursing Department, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
    Nursing and Occupational Therapy College, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain)

  • Alfonso Martínez-Nova

    (Nursing Department, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
    Nursing Departament, University Center of Plasencia, University of Extremadura, 10600 Plasencia, Spain)

  • Sonia Hidalgo-Ruiz

    (Nursing Department, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
    Nursing Departament, University Center of Plasencia, University of Extremadura, 10600 Plasencia, Spain)

  • Mariana Martínez-Álvarez

    (Nursing Department, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
    Faculty of Medicine, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain)

  • Sergio Rico-Martín

    (Nursing Department, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
    Nursing and Occupational Therapy College, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain)

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of data on the relationship between backpack use and foot posture in children. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a backpack on foot posture in children with neutral foot posture during three years of follow-up. Methods: A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted in a sample of 627 children with neutral foot. For each participant included in the study, age, sex, weight, height, body mass index, type of schoolbag (backpack or non-backpack), foot shape, metatarsal formula and type of shoes were recorded. Foot posture was described by the mean of the foot posture index (FPI) and reassessed after three years in a follow-up study. Results: The average age of the children was 8.32 ± 1.32 years. A total of 458 used a backpack when going to school. Over the three-year follow-up period, 50 children who had neutral foot developed supinated foot ( n = 18) or pronated foot ( n = 32). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the children using a backpack were at a higher risk of developing pronated foot (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 2.05, 95% IC: 1.08–3.89, p = 0.028). Backpack use was not associated with the change from neutral foot to supinated foot. Conclusions: We found a positive association between using a backpack and the risk of developing pronated but not supinated foot. Clinical trials should be conducted to analyze the effect of backpack use on the foot among schoolchildren.

Suggested Citation

  • Pilar Alfageme-García & Julián Fernando Calderón-García & Alfonso Martínez-Nova & Sonia Hidalgo-Ruiz & Mariana Martínez-Álvarez & Sergio Rico-Martín, 2020. "Backpacks Effect on Foot Posture in Schoolchildren with a Neutral Foot Posture: A Three-Year Prospective Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:19:p:7313-:d:424539
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    Cited by:

    1. Paulina Tomal & Anna Fryzowicz & Elżbieta Skorupska & Lechosław B. Dworak, 2022. "Influence of School Backpack Load as a Variable Affecting Gait Kinematics among Seven-Year-Old Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-12, March.

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