01/05/2026
Life University alumni Drs. Lori Beth Bryson and Jonathan Bryson have recently published an article in collaboration with Drs. Brent Russell and Ron Hosek from the Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research: “Kinematic evaluation of sagittal spine motion during walking with internal frame and frameless backpacks.” The research team found that walking with a loaded backpack caused participants to walk with the lumbar spine in flexion and the thoracic and cervical regions in compensatory extension. These effects increased over a span of walking time and were significantly more prominent with a frameless pack. The results are in line with the researchers’ professional opinion that backpacks should have better spine support. The authors also wish to acknowledge the editor and staff of the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine and the literature search assistance of Life University alumnus Alma Ayala Diaz.
