Bag Weight Research Articles

Assessment of various contributing factors for back pain in children while carrying school bags

It is common today to see school children buckling from weight of their school bags, many children bear the burden of carrying school bags that are to heavy for their body frames, that might end up facing a number of health problems. The objectives were to assess the school bag weight and body weight to get the MASW(maximum acceptable school bag weight) and to investigate contributing factors of back pain felt by children carrying school bags. The study was conducted on a sample of 120 school children from middle class ( i.e. from vi to viii) and on their mothers. Respondents were randomly selected from five government and five private schools of Ludhiana city form the age group of 11-14 years. A pre structured interview schedule was used to get the data to achieve the objectives. Results show that only 54 respondents were following the standard value of MASW, which is >15 per cent of the body weight. Average total time was 46 min to carry school bag and standard deviation was 9.40. It was observed that half of the respondents carrying school bags with one or both strap in one shoulder. Total distance covered by the respondents from home to school and vice versa was 218 meter in 46 minutes.

A Study of School Bag Weight and Back Pain among Primary School Children in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

The recommended weight of schoolbags is less than 10-15% of the body weight. Heavy schoolbags may result in musculoskeletal and psychological problems among primary school children. This study was conducted to assess the weight of school bags in relation to primary school children weight, and to look for the prevalence of back pain among them in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A total of 2567 school children were included in this study both from rural and urban areas of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A cross sectional survey was conducted in which a pre-tested questionnaire was used to ask about demographic profile, and symptoms of back pain. The weight of the school bags and the school children was measured. 1860 school children (72.46%) out of 2567 were carrying bags of weight more than 15% of their body weight. The prevalence of heavy school bags was higher among the female children as compared with the male children. Back pain was reported by 42% of the school children. The weight of schoolbags of Al-Ahsa primary school children were higher than the internationally acceptable standards and as a result back pain was reported by 42% of school children. The school authorities and ministry of health should further evaluate and take the necessary steps to rectify the situation.

Differences in personal and lifestyle characteristics among Zimbabwean high school adolescents with and without recurrent non-specific low back pain: a two part cross-sectional study.

BackgroundRecurrent non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is increasingly becoming common among adolescents worldwide. A recent study in Zimbabwe showed a relatively high prevalence (28.8 %) among high school students. Influential associated factors, however, remain unclear. This is a significant shortcoming. The aim was to determine personal or lifestyle-related factors associated with recurrent NSLBP among high school adolescents in Harare, Zimbabwe.MethodsThis study was part of a large epidemiological study conducted in two continuous parts. Part one sought to determine self-reported associated factors among 532 participants (mean age =16 ± 1.72 years) drawn randomly from selected government schools using a reliable and content-validated questionnaire (Kappa coefficient, k = 0.32–1). Part two purposively identified adolescents (N = 64, median age =17 years, interquartile range, IQR = 15–18 years) with a history of ‘severe’ recurrent NSLBP from part one based on a specific eligibility criteria and compared body mass index, relative school bag weight and hamstring flexibility with matched adolescents without NSLBP. Data was analysed using Statistica version 11. Independent t-tests or χ2 tests of association were used for continuous and categorical data, respectively. The statistical significance was set at p < .05.ResultsRecurrent NSLBP was associated with self-reported factors such as perceptions of a heavy school bag [χ2 (1) = 85.9, p < 0.001]. A significant proportion of adolescents with recurrent NSLBP spent over 30 min carrying the school bag to and from school [χ2 (1) =32.2, p < 0.001]. It was also associated with prolonged sitting (p < 0.001), not playing sports [χ2 (1) =5.85, p = 0.02] and tight hamstrings [χ2 (1) =7.6, p = 0.006].ConclusionsAlthough conclusions from this study are hesitant because of the cross-sectional nature of the study and the relatively small sample size in follow-up study, recurrent NSLBP is associated with perceptions of a heavy school bag, duration of school bag carriage, no sports participation, prolonged sitting on entertainment activities, and tight hamstrings. These findings add to the importance of promoting physical activity at school or home especially aimed at improving muscle flexibility.

Noninvasive measurement of cerebrospinal fluid flow using an ultrasonic transit time flow sensor: a preliminary study.

OBJECT Mechanical failure-which is the primary cause of CSF shunt malfunction-is not readily diagnosed, and the specific reasons for mechanical failure are not easily discerned. Prior attempts to measure CSF flow noninvasively have lacked the ability to either quantitatively or qualitatively obtain data. To address these needs, this preliminary study evaluates an ultrasonic transit time flow sensor in pediatric and adult patients with external ventricular drains (EVDs). One goal was to confirm the stated accuracy of the sensor in a clinical setting. A second goal was to observe the sensor's capability to record real-time continuous CSF flow. The final goal was to observe recordings during instances of flow blockage or lack of flow in order to determine the sensor's ability to identify these changes. METHODS A total of 5 pediatric and 11 adult patients who had received EVDs for the treatment of hydrocephalus were studied in a hospital setting. The primary EVD was connected to a secondary study EVD that contained a fluid-filled pressure transducer and an in-line transit time flow sensor. Comparisons were made between the weight of the drainage bag and the flow measured via the sensor in order to confirm its accuracy. Data from the pressure transducer and the flow sensor were recorded continuously at 100 Hz for a period of 24 hours by a data acquisition system, while the hourly CSF flow into the drip chamber was recorded manually. Changes in the patient's neurological status and their time points were noted. RESULTS The flow sensor demonstrated a proven accuracy of ± 15% or ± 2 ml/hr. The flow sensor allowed real-time continuous flow waveform data recordings. Dynamic analysis of CSF flow waveforms allowed the calculation of the pressure-volume index. Lastly, the sensor was able to diagnose a blocked catheter and distinguish between the blockage and lack of flow. CONCLUSIONS The Transonic flow sensor accurately measures CSF output within ± 15% or ± 2 ml/hr, diagnoses the blockage or lack of flow, and records real-time continuous flow data in patients with EVDs. Calculations of a wide variety of diagnostic parameters can be made from the waveform recordings, including resistance and compliance of the ventricular catheters and the compliance of the brain. The sensor's clinical applications may be of particular importance to the noninvasive diagnosis of shunt malfunctions with the development of an implantable device.

AVALIAÇÃO DO PESO E DA FORMA DE CARREGAR O MATERIAL ESCOLAR DE ALUNOS QUE DEIXAM SEUS LIVROS NA ESCOLA

The purpose of the study was to verify the weight and type of bag and how it is transported by students of the 5th grade of a school in Petrolina-PE who leave their books at school and only transport the remaining material. The evaluation of the type of bag and how it is transported was conducted through questionnaire BackPEI. The weight of the student and the school material was determined using analog and digital balances, respectively. It was possible to note that almost half of the students carried a weight above the tolerable limit and it was also found a higher frequency of using of the backpack with two straps. Among students who used backpack with two shoulder straps, 82.4% carried the backpack supported on both shoulders. The study shows that, although the school already has a strategy to reduce the weight of school material, other strategies are required.

Practical use of variographics to identify losses and evaluate investment profitability in industrial processes

Author Summary: This work illustrates variographic analysis applied to industrial production processes to identify and reduce adverse production deviations (over-specification, loss) and evaluate profitability. A first example concerns production of light-weight expanded clay aggregates (Exclay), produced in cement-like rotary kilns. Clay raw material is heated to 1150 °C to be expanded. An adverse periodicity was observed in a specific plant cooler manifested as fluctuations in the material volume (height level) causing a periodic variance in the production output from the kiln. This problem must be resolved by instigating a more stable cooler, which could in fact be engineered by a very small investment of about 5,000 Euro. A variogram characterization was carried out to evaluate the amplitude of the periodicity, and the quantities involved (losses), which information was used to calculate the investment pay-back time. From the variogram it was observed that the reduced kiln output volume was at least 0.7%. During one year with improved cooler level control, this translates into savings of about 100,000 Euro, i.e. a pay-back time will be less than one month. A second example is from a LRM-project (Loss and Reduction Model) at a plant producing bagged pre-mixed mortars, in which the variance of the weight of the produced bags was found to be consistently too large. A pilot variographic analysis was applied with an aim to identify the root causes of this problem (three filling stations at the same line were investigated, all with identical filling systems and scales): Two stations were found to have a total material loss of 1.2%, while the third was running perfectly well (low V(0) and low sill), but with a too high set point. The technical resolution shows that it is possible to reduce material loss with existing equipment by improved monitoring/recording routines but no need to acquire new expensive belt scales a.o. For two of the stations V(0) (MPE) was in fact at a level almost identical to the sill making it structurally impossible to keep bag weight within specifications. Recurrent monitoring of V(0) and moving average smoothing should be evaluated at the very many similar production lines in the multinational corporation involved to gain improved process control to reduce overfilling. While relatively small on the basis of an individual filling line, the potential accumulated corporate savings take on a quite different economic significance. Variographic analysis is a powerful tool for industrial technicians and process engineers to improve processes —and in the present cases for industrial managers as well for evaluating ultimate investment profitability in industrial processes.

Using Tournament Angler Data to Rapidly Assess the Invasion Status of Alien Sport Fishes (Micropterus spp.) in Southern Africa.

Fishes are one of the most commonly introduced aquatic taxa worldwide, and invasive fish species pose threats to biodiversity and ecosystem function in recipient waters. Considerable research efforts have focused on predicting the invasibility of different fish taxa; however, accurate records detailing the establishment and spread of invasive fishes are lacking for large numbers of fish around the globe. In response to these data limitations, a low-cost method of cataloging and quantifying the temporal and spatial status of fish invasions was explored. Specifically, angler catch data derived from competitive bass angling tournaments was used to document the distribution of 66 non-native populations of black bass (Micropterus spp.) in southern Africa. Additionally, catch data from standardized tournament events were used to assess the abundance and growth of non-native bass populations in southern Africa relative to their native distribution (southern and eastern United States). Differences in metrics of catch per unit effort (average number of fish retained per angler per day), daily bag weights (the average weight of fish retained per angler), and average fish weight were assessed using catch data from 14,890 angler days of tournament fishing (11,045 days from South Africa and Zimbabwe; 3,845 days from the United States). No significant differences were found between catch rates, average daily bag weight, or the average fish weight between countries, suggesting that bass populations in southern Africa reach comparable sizes and numbers relative to waters in their native distribution. Given the minimal cost associated with data collection (i.e. records are collected by tournament organizers), the standardized nature of the events, and consistent bias (i.e. selection for the biggest fish in a population), the use of angler catch data represents a novel approach to infer the status and distribution of invasive sport fish.

Association between bag weight, carrying style and low back pain and spinal curvatures among school children in Ablekuma South

Background:Carrying school bags forms part of the daily routine of school children in the Accra Metropolis. Carrying of these heavy school bags especially in an inappropriate manner has been found to have negative musculoskeletal effects on developing children. Ascertaining the direct and indirect effects of the weight and way of carriage of school bags on school children could save the child the trouble of possible secondary effects such as scoliosis, kyphosis and even chronic pain. It also creates awareness for parents, teachers and all others who are directly or indirectly involved in the welfare of the developing child. Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the association between school bag weights, style of carrying and the deviations in the frontal and sagittal curvature and selfreported low back pain among school children. Methods:School childrenwere selected from 20 different public and private schools in Ablekuma South district of the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. A weighing scale was used to measure the weight of the participants and the school bags separately. The vertical inelastic plumbline was then used to screen the sagittal and frontal spinal curvatures and the backpack questionnaire was also used to obtain data on selfreported low back pain. One-way ANOVA and Chi-Square was used to analyze the data obtained using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 624 participants were recruited for this cross sectional study. Of this, 90.2% used backpacks as bags for transporting school items. Furthermore, 54.7% of private school participants reported that their bags were heavy, whilst 59.6% of their counterparts in public schools reported same. There was a significant association between carrying style and sagittal (p= 0.003) and frontal (p= 0.005) curvatures respectively but not low back pain (p= 0.926). The weights of the bags also had a significant association with sagittal curvature (p< 0.0001) but no association was reported for the frontal curvature (p= 0.784) as well as low back pain (p= 0.914). Conclusion(s): A few backpacks had the correct features of an ideal bag for school children. This study also revealed that deviations in the spinal curvature were as a result of carrying style. The carrying style and weights of the school bags did not account for their low back pain. Many children however complained of pain in others areas besides their lower back, hence further studies is recommended to ascertain the veracity of such occurrences. Implications: The findings of this study serve as a basis for education on proper school bag ergonomics among school children. The Ministry of Education in collaboration with Ghana Education Service may use findings to formulate and implement policies regarding the appropriate school bag and the minimum weight school children could carry to school.

일부 대학생들의 가방 휴대 방법과 무게에 따른 압력중심점 변화와 보행률 분석

본 연구의 목적은 세 가지 가방 휴대 방법에 따라 세 가지 가방의 무게를 달리하여 보행하는 동안 신체의 압력중심점의 변위와 보행률의 변화를 분석하고자 2013년 6월 3일부터 2014년 1월 20일까지 시행하였다. 38명의 건강한 성인(평균 연령: <TEX>$26.10{\pm}5.32$</TEX>세, 연령 범위: 22-30세)이 본 연구에 참여하였다. 첫 번째 조건은 한쪽 어깨에 가방을 메고 보행하였고, 두 번째 조건은 한쪽으로 가로질러 가방을 메고 걸었으며, 세 번째 조건은 양쪽 어깨에 가방을 메고 걸었다. 보행의 운동 형상학적 변수와 보행 시 압력중심점의 변위를 측정하기 위하여 3차원 동작분석기와 지면 반력기를 사용하였다. 각 세 가지 조건에 모든 대상자가 참가하였고, 모든 대상자는 각각 세 가지 조건에서 3kg, 5kg, 7kg의 무게를 지닌 가방을 휴대하여 6m를 걸었다. 본 연구 결과, 양쪽 어깨로 가방을 메고 걸을 때 3kg, 5kg, 7kg의 가방의 무게에 따라 전-후 및 내측-외측 방향의 압력중심점과 보행률 변수에서 통계학적으로 유의한 차이가 있었다. 따라서 양쪽 어깨에 가방을 메고 걷는 것이 다른 조건보다 더 효율적으로 보행할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다. This study examined the changes in the center of pressure (COP) and cadence according to three types of bags carried and three different bag weights. The experimental period was from June 3, 2013 to January 20, 2014, and thirty eight healthy adults (mean age: <TEX>$26.10{\pm}5.32$</TEX> years, age range: 22-30 years) volunteered under three conditions. In the first condition, the subjects wore a bag over one shoulder and they walked. In the second condition, they carried a bag across the shoulder and walked. With the third condition, they carried a backpack using both shoulders and walked. 3-Dimentional motion analysis system and a force plate were used to measure the kinematic parameters of gait and COP displacement during gait. Each subject walked 6 meters carrying a 3kg, 5kg and 7kg bag under all three conditions. The COP of the antero-posterior and medio-lateral, and cadence variable were significantly different according to the bag weight of 3kg, 5kg and 7kg. These findings suggest that walking while carrying a backpack using both shoulders is more effective on the changes in COP and gait of adults than the other conditions.

Antioxidative Activities and Qualitative Characteristics of Substitute Tea using Salvia plebeia R. Br.

The substitute tea was manufactured from the leaves of Salvia plebeia R. Br. (SPR) that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities. Total polyphenols and flavonoids in SPR were 71.8±4.74 GAE mg/g and 38.7±2.95 QUE mg/g, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging activity of SPR water extract had an RC50 of 16.9 μg/mL. SPR inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production with an IC50 of > 100 μg/mL. Medium and large leaves were used in the SPR substitute tea (SPRT). The water content was dissipated on roasting within approximately 10 minutes, and the tea obtained from fan-firing for a total 120 minutes was evaluated as most superior. Flavor was positively correlated with the taste and general preference. SPRT maintained its anti-oxidative activity without significant changes on roasting or fan-firing even after the heat treatment. The appropriate weight of a tea bag for one serving was 1.0 g. The study results indicated that SPR is a potential resource for the development of food or ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties.

Design Ergonomics and Sustainability Using Waste Fabrics and Technology to Create New Accessories

This article aims to study and develop new products applied to accessories, using technology and fabric waste produced in the industry, in order to address two issues that we consider relevant: The first question to investigate relates to the problem of fabric remnants produced in the textile industry and which end up being regarded as waste. The second question concerns the problem of the excessive weight of bags that are used by women and children in their daily life and which end up being a risk factor for the posture and the health of users. As fabric waste is a problem in the industry, since it is not used or they do not know how to use these materials, the goal will be to develop a new line of accessories. These accessories will incorporate ergonomics and also focus on the importance of reducing the excessive weight of bags, using for this purpose new textile materials to use up waste arising from the normal activity of the textile industry. For current society, environmental issues have been assuming a growing concern, and it has therefore become necessary to analyse and to be aware of the global market by developing new mechanisms, where the use of textile waste can appear as a solution to the development of new design pieces for fashion accessories using sustainable materials. The present research focuses on the development of a line of accessories, the most ergonomic possible, where the qualitative approach and the descriptive exploratory methods were used in the development of this study. The data collected through semi-structured interviews of 13 women and 13 children was analysed using the hermeneutic method - dialectical. The study results show that the excessive weight of the bags are a problem for the postural health of the person using it, hence the need to develop the most up to date line of accessories possible while taking into account ergonomic, sustainable and technological aspects.

Back pain in children associated with backpacks

Context: The school age children face daily responsibility of carrying variety of items to and fro and also around school. Back pain is currently emerging as a major health problem among school age group children, which can limit their daily activities. Aim: The aim was to investigate the factors that reflect the prevalence of back pain among school age group children, with particular attention on the weight of backpacks' mode of transportation to school. Materials and Methods: A total of 626 children are registered for this study between the age group of 12-16 years. They are weighed twice on the digital scale; the first time with their backpacks on and the second time without any backpacks. Questionnaire made and used to determine the presence and severity of back pain; data analyzed and descriptive statistics and multimonial regression analysis are performed to investigate the reflection of certain factors like gender, school bag carrying method, bag weight to student weight ratio, mode of transportation etc. on the occurrence of back pain. Odds ratio (OR) obtained from the analysis are used to compare the different levels of the same factor for relative occurrence of back pain. Results: Of 626 students; 172 are female, and 454 are male; 318 (50.7%) carried backpacks weighing 10-15% of their body weight. Among 626 students, 358 (57.1%) are reported to have back pain, 12.6% students required physician's visit and 18.6% students missed school because of back pain. Students carrying more than 15% of their body weight are found to have higher risk of back pain with (odds ratio = 4.3459 confidence interval = 95% 2.63-7.169, P = 0.0001). 425 students are reported to have walked to school with their backpacks on, out of which 260 (61.17%) are reported with back pain; significant association with P = 0.0004 is found among these subjects who walked to school with their back packs on. Conclusion: Carrying heavy backpacks increases the relative risk of back pain among school age group children, and prevalence of these children are found to be extremely high. Therefore, preventive and educational activities must be implemented among these school age group children.

계단오르기 동안 가방의 무게와 가방메기 형태가 안쪽빗넓은근과 가쪽넓은근의 근활성도비에 미치는 영향

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cross bag weight and carrying bag position type on vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis muscle activity ratio during step up. Method : Twenty healthy subjects participated in this study. subjects randomized performed step up with bag weight less than 15%, more than 15% of totalbody weight and without bag and carrying bag position ipsilateral and contralateral. muscle activity was measured with surface electromyography. One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used with a significance level of 0.05 Result : The results of this study were as follows: 1. The muscle activity ratio decreased significantly ipsilateral bag position more than 15% of body weight(p<.05). Also, the muscle activity ratio increased significantly contra lateral bag position more than 15% of body weight(p<.05). Conclusion : In conclusion, it was found that applied carrying bag position with weight on VMO,VL muscle activity ratio during step up down. Therefore carrying bag position can be used to selective activate vastus medialis oblique muscle in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

A Study on the Intelligent Bladder Irrigation Technology

Bladder irrigation is one of the effective measures of prevention and control of urinary tract infection in patients with long-term indwelling catheter. Based on traditional artificial bladder irrigation technology, this paper presents a kind of intelligent bladder irrigator. The control system of this irrigator includes PLC and touch screen. The irrigator uses weighing sensor to monitor the weight of infusion bag in real time and controls pinch valve to switch the infusion tube. This paper has completed the design of the mechanical structure and control system. Intelligent bladder irrigator can realize the automation of traditional bladder irrigation.

Investigation of the relationship between carrying school bags (handbags and backpacks) and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pains among 12-15 year old students in Shiraz.

Inappropriate school bags put students at risk of musculoskeletal problems and early fatigue. Heavy bags can change the body posture and the musculoskeletal system must react appropriately in order to compensate for this stress. It is recommended that the weight of a school bag must not be more than 10% of the student's body weight and the weight must be placed on both shoulders. The present study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders by comparing the prevalence of musculoskeletal pains among the students. The present descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in different educational districts of Shiraz. The study samples were selected using cluster sampling method. In this study, 800 students marked their painful areas on body maps and the SPSS statistical software (v. 11.5) was used to analyze the data. The results showed that among the students who used backpacks, 48.9% carried the weight on both shoulders, 40.4% carried the weight on their right shoulders, and 10.6% used their left shoulders. Besides, 68.02% of the students carrying handbags often used their right shoulders, while 31.98% used their left shoulders. The study results showed that similar to other countries, Iranian students also mostly made use of backpacks. Moreover, the musculoskeletal pains were most prevalent in the shoulders, which is in line with many other studies conducted on the issue.

No kidding: low back pain and type of container influence adolescents’ perception of load heaviness

The relationship between low back pain (LBP) and the lifting/carrying of loads is still a matter of great discussion. In teenagers, the weight of the school bag has been considered to play a pathogenic role in LBP but the relationship between the actual weight of the school bag and LBP symptoms does not seem to be a straightforward one. Numerous factors have been identified that influence the perception of weight. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of low back pain and the type of container on the perception of load heaviness by healthy teenagers. A convenience sample of 80 healthy teenage males (mean ± SD age 13.9 ± 2.1 years) was recruited from the members of two local sports clubs. The volunteers were evaluated during one of their training sessions. Information about a history of consequential LBP was gathered by questionnaire. Subjects were invited to estimate the weight of three bags (a typical school bag, a sports bag with the logo of a well-known brand, and a neutral bag) containing two different loads (total weights approximately 3 and 5 kg). Consequential LBP (i.e., LBP requiring medical attention and/or interfering with usual sports activities) was reported by 26.2% of them. The majority of the LBP episodes occurred ≥3 months before the tests. Overall, teenagers significantly (p ≤ 0.05) underestimated the weight of the sports bag compared with the school bag and the neutral bag. Compared with those with no LBP, subjects with a history of LBP overestimated the weight of the heavier load. Our results suggest that several subjective variables significantly influence the perception of load heaviness. Until we have a better understanding of the mechanical role of the backpack weight versus the perception of its weight in the aetiology of LBP, any recommendations about the schoolbag weight limit should be viewed with caution.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in school going adolescents using school bags - A co-relational research

Children aged 12 – 18 years undergo rapid musculoskeletal development and an application of external forces (school bags) cause musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this investigation was to assess the prevalence of neck, shoulder and back pain in the 1st term in school going adolescents using school bags. A co-relational research was conducted in Mangalore which included 580 students aged 13 -15 years. Their bag weight, body weight and height was measured and the subjects having pain either in the neck, shoulder or back were given McGill Melzack pain questionnaire to be filled. Descriptive analysis revealed that the percentage of bag weight on body weight ratio is more in females (mean ± SD 9.18 ± 3.71) compared to males (mean ± SD 8.88 ± 3.65). 6.03% of subjects carried bag weight weighing more than 15%, out of which 8.57% subjects complained of pain either in the neck, shoulder or back. The correlation between bag weight and pain was analysed using Karl Pearson’s correlation which is perfect positive (0.78). Analysis of correlation between BMI with percentage of bag weight in males (0.413) is more compared to females (0.086). The prevalence of adolescents having pain in the 1st term of school was 2.93% due to school bags. Hence, it is important to investigate further and take appropriate measures for adolescent problems with the use of school bags as it is a predictor for musculoskeletal disorder in adulthood.

Carrying Heavy Backpacks and Handbags Amongst Elementary Students: Causes and Solutions

Backpack is the best type of bag for students as the weight of the pack is evenly distributed across the body. But backpacks that are overloaded or not used properly can make health problems. Injuries may occur when a child tries to balance for the extra weight by leaning forward, bending his or her back or leaning to the side. Over time this can cause the shoulders to become rounded and the upper back to become curved. Because of the heavy weight, there's a chance of developing shoulder, neck, and back pain. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of heavy backpacks amongst elementary students. A case study was designed with participation of all students (n=60) from first and fourth grade students. A researcher’s constructed questionnaire was used to gather the required data. The weight of bag, the students’ weight and ratio of load to body weight was measured and then assessed with standards issues. Several interviews were also conducted with teachers to interrogate the reasons of using heavy backpacks and possible solutions. The results showed that 87 % of students carried a weight that is more than 10 percent of their body weight. Interestingly, first grade students’ backpacks were heavier than fourth grade students’ backpacks. It is recommended that the necessary facilities such as locker should be obtained to students in schools.

‘Back on Track’ – development of a school-based back care education programme

There is a high prevalence of back and neck pain among school children,1 with estimations that 50% of 14-year-olds have experienced back pain.2 Adolescent back pain sufferers are more likely to experience back pain as an adult, and problems can begin at primary school age.3,4 It is widely understood that the risk for back pain in young people is mul- tifactorial; however, the school environ- ment is an important consideration as children spend 30% of their time there.5,6Abertawe Bro-Morgannwg University Health Board serves a population of 500,000 individuals in South Wales. The percentage of paediatric referrals to physiotherapy for back and neck pain increased from 2.1% in September 2011 to 4.5% in March 2012. A project was introduced to ascertain whether local school children's backs are 'fit for the future'. The aims of the project were to investigate the prevalence of back and/or neck pain in school children in the Neath/ Port Talbot locality, identify the possible contributing risk fac- tors and raise awareness of the importance of applying practical back care education in the school environment.In June 2012, a questionnaire-based study was undertaken with a purposive sample of 204 young people from two primary schools (n = 78) and one senior school (n = 126) in the local area, spanning pupils aged from 7 to 15 years. The questionnaire addressed some key risk factors predisposing young people to back and neck pain and included school bag weight, school furniture, general lifestyle, and previous back pain.7,8 It is recognised that psychosocial factors may play a significant role in the development of back pain in young people;5,6 however, investigating such issues was beyond the scope of this physiotherapy-led initiative, and attempting to discuss sensitive subject matter with pupils could be seen as inappropriate within the school environment.Results of the questionnaire found that a total of 72% of the primary school sample reported back and/or neck pain in the past year and 36% within the last week prior to the questionnaire taking place. A total of 64% of the secondary school-aged pupils reported back and/or neck pain in the past year and 33% in past week. A total of 89% of pupils ques- tioned had not reported their back/neck pain to anyone, but 78% wanted teach- ing on how to keep their backs healthy.A number of questions addressed some of the school activity-related risk factors associated with back and neck pain in young people. For primary school children, sitting in assembly and sitting on the floor were the most problematic activities reported. For secondary school children, it was carry- ing their school bag; 15% of 11- to 12-year-olds carried a bag that weighed 10% of their body weight or greater. The literature recommends no more than 10%-15% of body weight.9These results may suggest that grow- ing spines are being affected, and back and neck pain in young people is a prob- lem which needs further investigation. The information obtained also supports the knowledge that many possible risk factors for back/neck pain in children are school-related, such as bag weight, uncomfortable seating and prolonged periods of sitting.10These results led to several local and national press releases along with a BBC Radio Wales live interview during August 2012 in time with pupils' return to school. There was also the opportunity to pre- sent the findings to Neath/Port Talbot primary and secondary school teachers during the Autumn term of 2012. Following on from this, a resource pack entitled 'Back on Track - a school-based back care education programme' evolved as a collaborative with a physio- therapist in England.A comprehensive school in Port Talbot was willing for 'Back on Track' to be piloted with Year 8 pupils aged 12/13 years who had participated in the initial questionnaire. In the spring/summer term 2013, paediatric physiotherapists delivered 'Back on Track' to 106 pupils as part of their pastoral care curriculum. …

The stability of a sulphite-free epidural analgesic solution containing fentanyl, bupivacaine, and adrenaline

Thoracic epidural infusion analgesia is optimised by using a triple component infusion containing a local anaesthetic, an opioid, and adrenaline. Adrenaline in solution is prone to oxidation, and stabilisers, such as antioxidants (e.g. sulphites) or chelators (edetates), are therefore commonly added. Sulphites may, however, have unwanted effects, especially allergic reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of an analgesic infusion solution for epidural administration free of sulphites, containing adrenaline, fentanyl, bupivacaine, and disodium edetate. An epidural infusion solution containing adrenaline 2 μg/ml, fentanyl 2 μg/ml, bupivacaine 1 mg/ml, and disodium edetate 0.18 μg/ml was stored at 2-8°C for 4.5 months. A concentrate 11 times more potent, used for the production of the ready-to-use solution, was stored at 2-8°C for 9 months. Concentrations of the active ingredients were determined, pH was measured throughout the period, the clarity of the solutions was investigated, and the weight of the infusion bags recorded. After 4.5 months at 2-8°C, the infusion solution contained adrenaline 97.5%, bupivacaine 100.9%, and fentanyl 102.6%. The pH stayed between 4.76 and 4.79, the solutions remained clear, and the weight was 99.9% of that found initially. The solution was also stable for 7 days at room temperature. The concentrate was stable (> 90%) for 9 months at 2-8°C. The solution containing adrenaline, fentanyl, and bupivacaine, stabilised with disodium edetate, is stable for several months at 2-8°C, and at least for 7 days at room temperature without the addition of sulphites.