When was the last time you did any people-watching at the airport? If you’ve done it lately you’ll have seen an increase in the number of travelers using “spinner” suitcases.
A spinner suitcase has four swiveling wheels instead of two parallel wheels. Rather than pulling the suitcase behind you on two wheels, a spinner allows you to roll the suitcase along beside you. Watch the posture of someone with each kind of suitcase and you’ll probably notice spinner-users tend to walk with an upright posture. Two-wheel users have a tendency to hunch forward as they pull the load behind them. The arm may be pulled back starting from the shoulder and much of the weight of the suitcase is on the arm and hand.
Following are advantages of a spinner suitcase:
• It requires less effort to move on smooth, flat ground, placing a lighter load on the arm and shoulder.
• For uneven ground or slopes you can simply tip the case so it works like a two-wheeled suitcase.
• You can more easily maintain an upright posture while wheeling it.
• A purse, small bag or jacket may be carried on top of it.
• Since it is upright and next to you, it is not as likely as a two-wheeled bag to trip an unsuspecting person crossing behind you.
Following are disadvantages of a spinner suitcase:
• It may roll away if placed on sloped ground. (To remedy this, place the wheels perpendicular to the slope or set the suitcase on its side, off of the wheels.)
• “Steering” the suitcase may tire or strain the hand and wrist.(To prevent this, alternate which arm controls the suitcase and consider changing back temporarily to two-wheeled handling if you’re in a situation that requires a lot of turning.)
The next time you’re shopping for luggage, take a four-wheeler for a spin! It will be one more way of taking good care of your body.
Nancy M. Lowe is a certified ergonomist, registered physical therapist and certified hand therapist. She has prevented and treated pain and injuries in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 20 years. Contact her at [email protected].
