DefinePK

Abstract

Backpack is one of the essential equipment that must be owned by a nature lover or a mountaineer when doing the adventurous activities. There are various types of backpacks on the market with a variety of brands, shapes and sizes according to the desires and needs. However, there are still complaints from the users when or after using those bags. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyse the backpack from the ergonomics side, specifically the influence of the use upon the body muscle and the heart muscle tension on three types of mountaineering backpacks that are often used namely Pack X, Y and Z. This study used Surface Electromyography (EMG) to analyse the muscle activity, Electrocardiography (ECG) to analyse the electrical activity of heart muscle, and Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaires to investigate the user perceptions of musculoskeletal discomfort. Twenty nature lover students were participated as the subject in the study. EMG and ECG data retrieval as well as filling out the NBM questionnaire performed before and after simulated trip for an hour using the treadmill in the laboratory by 20 subjects. The results indicated that Pack Z is less ergonomic than Pack X and Pack Y. The study also generates some criteria in choosing the ergonomic backpack based on analysis of muscle and heart electrical activities of the subjects.