The Changes of Electromyography in the Upper Trapezius and Supraspinatus of Women College Students According to the Method of Bag-carrying and Weight

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in upper extremity muscle activities of women college students' due to method of bag-carrying and weight. [Subjects] Thirty healthy adult females participated in this study. The exclusion criteria were orthopedic or neurologic disease, or a dominant left side. [Methods] Electromyographic activities of the supraspinatus and upper trapezius were recorded bilaterally under two conditions: crossbody bag, ipsilateral bag. [Results] There were no significant differences in the supraspinatus and upper trapezius muscles according to the weight carried; however, there was significant difference in the right supraspinatus and both upper trapezius muscles according to the method of carrying. [Conclusion] An effective backpack safety program for female college students is necessary to educate them how to prevent possible musculoskeletal pain related to the weight carried and the method of carrying from the perspective of an ergonomical approach.