Impact of Backpack Load and Unload on Dynamic Parameters of Static Posture

Backpacks are versatile and suitable tools in various educational settings, from elementary to university. Carrying a backpack can alter the natural walking gait. Individuals may adopt compensatory movements, such as leaning forward or to the side, to manage the load, affecting overall gait and balance. However, there has been little investigation into the changes in posture while carrying a backpack after walking. By incorporating dynamic movements, we can better understand how backpack use influences posture in real-world scenarios. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of backpack load on dynamic parameters of static posture. METHODS: Nineteen college aged students (n = 19, Age = 21.4 ± 1.3 years, Height = 1.7 ± .1 m , Weight = 66.7 ± 10.4 kg) walked on an instrumented treadmill for 3 - 4 minutes followed by 1 minute of quiet standing while wearing an empty backpack and while wearing a backpack containing a 25lbs load. During the quiet standing trials, center of pressure (COP) velocity in both the anteroposterior (AP) and the mediolateral (ML) directions, and COP sway area rate was computed from COP force data. Data between the loaded and unloaded conditions was compared using a dependent t-test with an alpha of 0.05. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the unloaded and loaded conditions for COP AP velocity, COP ML velocity, or sway area rate (p \u3e .05). CONCLUSION: Backpack load during quiet standing posture had no effect on the dynamic parameters of posture. It is possible that this method of analysis is not sensitive enough to detect the changes that load creates on the organization of posture. Future research into more sensitive methods, such as nonlinear analysis of the variability of posture should be investigated

The Kelp Forest Challenge: A collaborative global movement to protect and restore 4 million hectares of kelp

Marine kelp forests cover 1/3 of our world's coastlines, are heralded as a nature-based solution to address socio-environmental issues, connect hundreds of millions of people with the ocean, and support a rich web of biodiversity throughout our oceans. But they are increasingly threatened with some areas reporting over 90% declines in kelp forest cover in living memory. Despite their importance and the threats they face, kelp forests are entirely absent from the international conservation dialogue. No international laws, policies, or targets focus on kelp forests and very few countries consider them in their national policy. The Kelp Forest Challenge addresses that gap. Together with 252 kelp experts, professionals, and citizens from 25 countries, the Kelp Forest Challenge was developed as a grassroots vision of what the world can achieve for kelp forest conservation. It is a global call to restore 1 million and protect 3 million hectares of kelp forests by 2040. This is a monumental challenge, that will require coordination across multiple levels of society and the mobilization of immense resources. Pledges may therefore include area for protection or restoration, enabling pledges which assist in conservation (funding, equipment, professional expertise, capacity building), or awareness-based pledges which increase awareness or education about kelp forests. Correspondingly, participants may be from government, scientific institutions, private sector, NGOs, community groups, or individuals. This challenge is the beginning of a 17-year mission to save our kelp forests and anyone and any organisation is invited to participate