The Effect of How to Wear a Bag on Gait Ability in Subjects with Spinal Instability

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