Subjective perceptual methods for comparing backpacks
Subjective perceptual methods may provide useful information about small differences in backpack design when physiological and biomechanical comparisons are ineffective. This study used two subjective perceptual methods, category ratio scale (CRS) ratings of perceived discomfort and written questionnaires for comparing two types of leisure backpack. CRS ratings of perceived discomfort for each of 24 body regions after 30 min of uphill (15% grade) treadmill walking - 1 at 3 km h in 10 males, failed to distinguish between a New Zealand designed backpack (Pack A) and a British designed backpack (Pack B), each weighted to 20 kg. A simple pre- and post-walking written questionnaire using either a visual analogue linear scale or free-format responses indicated that more subjects found Pack A easier to adjust but that it had less comfortable shoulder and waist straps. It was considered to be more comfortable with regard to balance and posture and for shoulder, back and leg muscular tension. Pack B was initially more comfortable but required more lumbar support. Pack B was considered more comfortable for waist and shoulder pressure only. Overall preference was for Pack A (seven subjects) rather than Pack B (three subjects). In conclusion, in this study a questionnaire approach was found to be more useful than CRS ratings of perceived discomfort and the New Zealand designed backpack was preferred.
Keywords: HIKING; LEISURE; LOAD CARRIAGE; PSYCHOLOGY
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 August 1997
- Editorial Board
- Information for Authors
- Subscribe to this Title
- Ingenta Connect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites
- Access Key
- Free content
- Partial Free content
- New content
- Open access content
- Partial Open access content
- Subscribed content
- Partial Subscribed content
- Free trial content