1DPO's Nett College of Physiotherapy, Thane(West)
2Assistant Professor, DPO's Nett College of Physiotherapy, Thane (West)
*Corresponding author: Dr. Manali S Desai Assistant Professor DPO'S NETT College of Physiotherapy. THANE (W).
Online published on 27 April, 2016.
To determine the effect of backpack loading on 6 minute Walk distance in school children of age group of 7–13 years.
1. To compare the distance walked with and without backpack using 6 minute walk test in school children.
2. To compare the distance walked without backpack in 6 minute with normal Indian reference values in school children.
Total 60 school going children of the age group of 7–13 years from a primary and secondary school were selected by purposive sampling. 6 min walk test was performed by them in 2 sessions-first without the backpack and second with the back pack (predetermined load of 4 kg) with a time span of 48 hours between both the sessions. Pre and post vital parameters, RPE (rate of perceived exertion) were recorded. Also, total distance walked after 6 minutes with and without backpack was recorded.
The result was analyzed using student's t test which showed that the total distance walked with backpack (401.76+ 76.73) meter was less than the total distance walked without backpack (452.93+ 64.17) meter. Also, the total distance walked without backpack (452.93+ 64.17) meter was less when compared with the normal reference values (609 +166) meters provided by D'silva et al. (p<0.05)
Thus, there was considerable decrease in the distance walked in 6 minute with the backpack loading which indicated reduced functional capacity of children of age group of 7–13 years.
backpack loading, 6 minute walk distance, school children, 7–13 years, functional capacity, submaximal exertion test
