The effects of different methods of load carrying on respiratory volumes

There are extensive studies about the effects of backpack carrying on the posture and musculoskeletal system but there are a few studies about this effect on the lung function. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three different methods of backpack carrying with 15% of body weight on the respiratory volumes. Seventy healthy subjects (aged 18 to 24 years, mean 20.47 ± 1.55) participated in this study. At first respiratory volumes (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC) were measured without carrying a backpack. Then respiratory volumes were measured while the subjects were carrying backpack in three different methods. Oxycon Spirometer was used to measure the respiratory volumes. Paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. The comparison between FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC in no backpack condition with those of three different methods of backpack carrying (single strap, double strap, cross chest) showed no significant differences. Also, differences in respiratory variables among the three methods of carrying were not statistically significant. Carrying a backpack with 15% of body weight did not cause significant differences in respiratory volumes and no significant differences between the three methods of carrying. Therefore it seems that backpack carrying with less than 15% of body weight has probably no effect on respiratory system.