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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Journal of Clinical Medicine

Effects of a Lumbar Support Cushion in a Backpack on Postural Alignment and Skeletal Muscle Mechanical Properties: A Repeated-Measures Trial in Healthy Adults

  • Ju-Yeon Jung1
  • Jin-Hwa Jung2
  • Hwi-Young Cho3
  • Ji-Eun Baek3
  • Hye Rim Suh4
4 affiliations
  1. 1Institute of Human Convergence Health Science, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
  2. 2Department of Occupational Therapy, Semyung University, Jecheon 27136, Republic of Korea
  3. 3Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
  4. 4Department of Physical Therapy, Division of Health Science, Baekseok University, Cheonan 31065, Republic of Korea
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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Backpacks are widely used for carrying loads; however, posteriorly positioned loads can shift the body’s center of mass, promote forward trunk and head compensation, and increase neck and shoulder muscle loading. This study examined the effects of a detachable lumbar support cushion at loads equivalent to 10%, 15%, and 20% of the body weight. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy adult men completed repeated-measures trials of backpacks without or with lumbar support cushions. The craniovertebral angle (CVA), forward trunk lean (FTL), pelvic tilt angle (PTA), upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid (SCM) tone, and stiffness were assessed. The trial registration was completed by the Clinical Research Information Service of the Republic of Korea (KCT0012211). Results: Most variables changed significantly as the load increased, with the largest changes occurring up to 15% and limited additional changes between 15% and 20%. The cushion did not significantly affect CVA or FTL but increased PTA and reduced SCM tone. Conclusions: A detachable lumbar support cushion may modify the PTA and was associated with lower SCM tone during backpack carriage.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{jung2026effects,
  title = {{Effects of a Lumbar Support Cushion in a Backpack on Postural Alignment and Skeletal Muscle Mechanical Properties: A Repeated-Measures Trial in Healthy Adults}},
  author = {Ju-Yeon Jung and Jin-Hwa Jung and Hwi-Young Cho and Ji-Eun Baek and Hye Rim Suh},
  journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.3390/jcm15207900},
  url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/20/7900},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Effects of a Lumbar Support Cushion in a Backpack on Postural Alignment and Skeletal Muscle Mechanical Properties: A Repeated-Measures Trial in Healthy Adults
AU  - Ju-Yeon Jung
AU  - Jin-Hwa Jung
AU  - Hwi-Young Cho
AU  - Ji-Eun Baek
AU  - Hye Rim Suh
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/01
JO  - Journal of Clinical Medicine
DO  - 10.3390/jcm15207900
UR  - https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/20/7900
AB  - Background/Objectives: Backpacks are widely used for carrying loads; however, posteriorly positioned loads can shift the body’s center of mass, promote forward trunk and head compensation, and increase neck and shoulder muscle loading. This study examined the effects of a detachable lumbar support cushion at loads equivalent to 10%, 15%, and 20% of the body weight. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy adult men completed repeated-measures trials of backpacks without or with lumbar support cushions. The craniovertebral angle (CVA), forward trunk lean (FTL), pelvic tilt angle (PTA), upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid (SCM) tone, and stiffness were assessed. The trial registration was completed by the Clinical Research Information Service of the Republic of Korea (KCT0012211). Results: Most variables changed significantly as the load increased, with the largest changes occurring up to 15% and limited additional changes between 15% and 20%. The cushion did not significantly affect CVA or FTL but increased PTA and reduced SCM tone. Conclusions: A detachable lumbar support cushion may modify the PTA and was associated with lower SCM tone during backpack carriage.
SN  - 2077-0383
ER  -