Shoulder Bags: Can They Actually Be Helpful?

Purpose. To investigate whether there is a way to wear a unilateral strap shoulder bag so the weight bearing forces through the lower extremities are more symmetrical. Subjects. Sixty-five college student volunteers. Methods. Each participant wore a shoulder bag two different ways on the dominant and nondominant shoulder while standing on a scale (Postural Scale Analyzer) to measure the lower extremity weight distribution. Results. A significant improvement (p < 0.05) in weight distribution was found in right hand dominant subjects (n = 63) when wearing a shoulder bag draped across left shoulder to right hip. Discussion. When individual that are right hand dominant wear a shoulder bag draped across the left shoulder (non-dominant shoulder), the weight distribution through the person’s lower extremities becomes more equal. Conclusion. It is possible that individual prescription of a unilateral bag on the non-dominant shoulder draped across the body can be utilized to create symmetry in lower extremity weight distribution. Recommendations. Individuals should wear shoulder bags on their non-dominant shoulder, draped across the body to reduce asymmetrical weight bearing forces through the body as a short term effect.