Schoolbag Weight Research Articles

Does alteration in backpack load affects posture of school children?

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the extent of backpack load on postural changes in school children who were carrying school bags. Materials And Methods: 87 normal healthy school children out of these 40 girls and 47 boys from CBSE school were tested in upright erect posture. Depending on % of schoolbag weight of their total body weight, they were divided into three groups - Group I-(<10%), Group II (10-20%) and Group III (20-30%) Postural angles such as Craniohorizontal(CHA),Craniovertebral angle (CVA) and shoulder saggital posture were measured in three groups. Results: With increasing schoolbag load from less than10% to 30% BW, CVA progressively increased significantly while CHA and shoulder saggital angle was decreased significantly as magnitude of backpack load increases. These results indicate a limitation on the ventilatory pump caused by load carriage which is directly related to the load carried and characteristic of restrictive disease of the respiratory system. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the increased forward head posture observed in children while carrying loaded backpacks are associated with backpack weight. The greatest differences were noted as the magnitude of backpack loads goes on increasing. Further analyses of the changes in forward head posture suggest that the condition as well as the weight of backpack loads markedly affect forward head posture and present a risk for neck pain in children.

The use of schoolbags and musculoskeletal symptoms among primary school children: are the recommended weight limits adequate?

This cross-sectional study investigated the use of schoolbags and the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among a sample of 307 Iranian primary school children aged 7–12 years. The average load carried by the children was 2.9 kg (representing on average 10.1% of the child's body weight). Most children chose to carry the schoolbag across two shoulders, although significant numbers also carried it on one shoulder or in the hand. Although the amount of load carried by school children was within the currently suggested load limit of 10% to 15% of the child's body weight, the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems was very high among the study population. Multiple logistic regression models indicated that the method of carrying the schoolbag was significantly associated with hand/wrist and shoulder symptoms, and that the time spent carrying a schoolbag was associated with hand/wrist and upper back symptoms. Schoolbag weight (expressed as a percentage of body weight) was only associated with hand/wrist symptoms. The results suggest that the current recommended weight limit may not be appropriate for school children in primary school, and that guidelines ought to consider factors other than relative schoolbag weight that influence the use of schoolbags among this age group. Practitioner Summary: The carrying of schoolbags by primary school children and their musculoskeletal symptoms were investigated. The results provide evidence that the current weight limit may not be appropriate for younger school children, and that such guidelines should consider a broader combination of the factors that influence the use of schoolbags.

1892 The Effect of Heavy School Bag Weight on Physical Problems in Children and Adolescence. Shiraz, Iran

BackgroundOne of the main physical problems that have been considered less is the physical complaints related to school bag weight that has a great adverse effect on the incidence of...

Evaluation of Acceptable Weight of Bag For Students in School: A Fuzzy Logic Approach

Overweight schools bags will bring additional stress and fatigue to primary and junior secondary students. The Department of Health recommends that, as a precautionary measure, students should avoid carrying school bags which exceed 15% of their body weight for long periods of time. Around 60 per cent of Indian schoolchildren may suffer back pain by carrying schoolbags. For example, a heavy bag that’s slung over one shoulder can, over the 12 years of schooling, cause chronic back problems that linger into adulthood. Risks include muscle strain, distortion of the natural ‘S’ curve of the spine and rounding of the shoulders. The low back pain as a result of carrying of school bag by students has necessitated the attention given to the determination of limits of weight of school bag carrying by students in the school. It was however noted by that no Occupational Safety and Health organization exist regarding what constitutes the maximum acceptable or safe weight of school bag. After this observation, several researchers have worked on the subject of weight of school bag using three main approaches namely: Physiological, Psychophysical and Biomechanical. Author has applied the Fuzzy logic approaches for setting weight limit (WL) of school bag to be carried by students in school in the analysis the strengths and the weaknesses with the height are taken in to consideration. The approach may probably lead to reduce the problem of low back pain of students caused by heavy weight of school bag.

School Bag Weight and the Occurrence of Shoulder, Hand/Wrist and Low Back Symptoms among Iranian Elementary Schoolchildren.

Schoolchildren usually use school bags to carry their school materials. Carry-ing heavy school bags can cause several problems such as musculoskeletal problems among schoolchildren. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the weight of school bags and the occurrence of low back, shoulder and hand/wrist symptoms among pri-mary school children. This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted among a sample of 307 elementary school children in Tabriz, Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire and from measurement of the school bag weight, body weight and height of each participant. Data were analysed using SPSS software. The average load carried by schoolchildren was 2.9 kg, representing approximately 10% of the children's body weight. Girls and lower grade children carried a greater percent-age of their body weights. Approximately 86% of the children reported some kind of muscu-loskeletal symptoms. The occurrence of shoulder, wrists/hands, and low back pain among school-children was 70%, 18.5% and 8.7%, respectively. The results of binary logistic regres-sion indicated that the school bag weight (expressed as a percentage of body weight) was only significantly associated with hand/wrist symptoms (P<0.05). Girls were more likely to com-plaint from low back pain than boys were. Age was significantly negatively associated with hand/wrist symptoms. Body mass index was also significantly associated with shoulder symptoms. The results indicate a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among elemen-tary schoolchildren. Preventive measures and appropriate guidelines with regard to safe load carriage in schoolchildren are therefore needed to protect this age group.

Risk factors associated with back pain in New Zealand school children

This study investigated risk factors associated with back pain in 245 New Zealand intermediate school children aged 11–14 years in a cross-sectional survey, using a self-completion questionnaire for demographic details, pain prevalence, psychosocial parameters, school and leisure activities and family characteristics. The strongest relationships were between back pain and common childhood complaints (stomach ache, headache and sore throats) (p < 0.01) and psychosocial factors (conduct and hyperactivity) (p < 0.01). For physical factors, there was a significant relationship between neck and low back pain and attributes of chairs. Low back pain was significantly related to low desk height (as reported by students) (p < 0.05). School bag weight was not significantly related to low back pain but carrying the bag on one shoulder was (p < 0.05). It is concluded that, amongst these intermediate school children, psychological, social and emotional factors had a stronger relationship with back pain than physical factors. Statement of Relevance: This study investigated risk factors associated with back pain amongst New Zealand intermediate school children. It showed that psychological, social and emotional factors may have a stronger relationship with back pain than physical factors.

Neck, Upper Back and Lower Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors among Primary School Children

Ergonomic among children is important as it will influence their growth, which mainly results from the development of the musculoskeletal system. Their anthropometric characteristics are totally different from adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 school children from two primary schools in Malaysia. Year 2 and 5 children were randomly selected and were given questionnaires to obtain information on their background, musculoskeletal pain/discomfort complaints, previous skeletal injuries and satisfaction with classroom furniture. A TANITA electronic weighing scale was used to measure their body weights, schoolbag load and relative schoolbag weight. A Harpenden anthropometer was used to measure their standing height. Neck pain (NP) was the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) with lifetime prevalence (LP) of 33% and a periodic prevalence (PP) of 15.3%, followed by the upper back pain (UBP) with a LP of 20.2% and a PP of 9.1% and lastly low back pain (LBP) with a LP of 13.1% and a PP of 8.1%. Binary logistic regression performed, showed the LP of neck pain were significantly influenced by factors namely: overall satisfaction with the classroom furniture, satisfaction with the backrest shape and desk height. Results showed that the schoolbag load and classroom furniture significantly influenced the prevalence of MSD.

The Effects of Age and Gender on the Weight and Use of Schoolbags

To examine age and gender differences in schoolbag use and to compare findings in Greece with those of other countries. Schoolbag weight and carrying characteristics were assessed in 703 boys and girls aged 6 to 14 years. Multinomial logistic regression models showed that younger students (6-8 years) were almost 5 more times more likely to carry heavier schoolbags than older students (p < 0.05). Similarly, more girls than boys carried heavier bags, and girls were twice more likely to experience fatigue symptoms when carrying schoolbags compared with boys (p < 0.05). The mean schoolbag weight was 12.4% of the student's body weight and moderately heavier than that reported for other countries. Younger children are in greater need for education about schoolbag weight compared with older ones. There is also evidence that girls might experience more problems when carrying their schoolbag compared with boys.

Evaluation of Two Ergonomics Intervention Programs in Reducing Ergonomic Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorder among School Children

An intervention study was done from February 2009 until August 2009 with the objective of investigating the effectiveness of two ergonomics intervention programs in reducing ergonomic risk factors among 229 school children in 2nd Grade (8 years) and 5th Grade (age 11 years) in three schools. Group 1 (G1) assigned to one school, which implemented the ergonomically design furniture in their class (among 2nd and 5th grade students), Group 2 (G2) from other school implemented ergonomics program with intensive health promotion towards ergonomics awareness consisted with exercising and education to reduced MSD, while Group 3 (G3) from another school selected as Control Group (Cx). Musculoskeletal symptoms were recorded using modified nordiq body map questionnaires. Modified Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to assess the awkward posture of the school children. Ergonomics awareness test performed namely Ergonomics Quiz (EQ) to evaluate the awareness level before and after ergonomic intervention programs. Tanita weigth measurement was used to measure school bag weight and student's weight. Weight of the bag, RULA score and EQ were used as main indicator to analyze the effectiveness of the program tp reduce ergonomic risks. A significant reduction of RULA score among sub-sample students and mean bag weight observed among G1<G2 and Cx indicate the ergonomic risk were reduce accordingly. Higher EQ score recorded among G1 students compared to G2 and Cx but the result were insignificant. The implementation of ergonomically design furniture in classroom able to reduce risk and reported MSD symptoms.

The Association between Ergonomic Risk Factors, RULA Score, and Musculoskeletal Pain among School Children: A Preliminary Result

A study was done to investigate the risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) among school childrenin Malaysia. Two schools in the Klang Valley and one in Johor Bahru were selected. A cross sectional study was donebaginning February 2009 until May 2009. Two hundred and twenty nine pupils among 2nd Grade (age 8 years) and 5thGrade (age 11 years) from three school were selected to participate in this study. Musculoskeletal symptoms wererecorded using Modified Nordiq Body Map Questionnaires; Tanita weight measurement was used to measure schoolbag weight and students’ weight. Modified Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to assess the awkwardposture of the students’ torso namely bending forward movement, leaning, sitting and twisting. A high prevalence ofMSD among school children aged 11 years old (5th grade) was found (68.0%) compared to 8 years old (2nd grade) with36.4%. Result also showed that 31.8% of 2nd grade and 62.2% of 5th grade students experience upper MSD. LowerMSD complains showed 5th grade students are at higher percentage than 2nd grade with 45.5% and 20.9% respectively.Logistic regression analysis controlling for body mass index, sport injuries and history of major accidents revealed thatthe following factors were related to MSD: home activities (involving television (TV) watching and personal computer(PC) used) [1.889, 95% CI 1.081 – 3.301] and bag perception complain among school children [2.148, 95% CI 1.086 –4.247]. For specific MSD symptoms it was found that the duration of home activities using PC or TV exceeding 2 hourswas the main the risk factor of upper MSD among school children [4.923, 95% CI 1.188-20.389]. In conclusion,combination of risks leads to high increase of MSD among school children in Malaysia.

Postural and subjective responses to realistic schoolbag carriage

The objective of this study was to determine school student's postural and self- reported responses to realistic daily schoolbag carriage and to provide support for an upper schoolbag weight limit. Sixteen boys carried unloaded, 5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15% of body weight (BW) schoolbag loads, each for a simulated school day. The 10% BW condition was repeated with tightened shoulder straps. Participants' posture was quantified and a questionnaire asked them about a number of areas relating to the physical strain caused by each schoolbag. Posture, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and muscular strain and ability to walk and balance were significantly affected when student's schoolbag load reached 10% BW. It is suggested that 15% BW may be excessive, which supports a schoolbag weight limit of 10% BW for a typical school day. Posture, RPE and muscular strain and ability to walk and balance were not significantly affected by the duration of carriage or by shoulder strap tightness.

Nonspecific Low Back Pain in 5000 Iranian School-age Children

Low back pain (LBP) is common in adult population, and it is becoming a serious health concern in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of nonspecific LBP and associated risk factors in school-age children. After ethical approval, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 5000 randomly recruited secondary schoolchildren aged 11-14 years in the north of Iran. A structured questionnaire including questions concerning demographic, mechanical, and lifestyle data as well as the prevalence and characteristics of LBP was used. Of the original sample, 4813 (96.2%) children returned the questionnaire. Point, last month, last 6 months, and annual prevalence were 15%, 14.4%, 15.6%, and 17.4%, respectively. No association was found between school bag weight and prevalence of LBP (P=0.824). Low back pain was significantly correlated with age (P=0.000), position and time spent watching television (P=0.028 and P=0.002, respectively), position and duration of homework (P=0.021 and P=0.012, respectively). There was no association between LBP and body mass index (P=0.596) or between LBP and sex (P=0.412). The results indicated that the prevalence of LBP in schoolchildren is relatively high. Further studies focusing on the effect of different preventive strategies to reduce the impact of such a problem in schoolchildren is strongly recommended.

A cross-sectional study of self-reported back and neck pain among English schoolchildren and associated physical and psychological risk factors

This study set out to identify the associations between ergonomics and other factors with back and neck pain among schoolchildren. Self-reported questionnaires were used to record health outcomes and potential risk factors in state schools. Six hundred and seventy-nine schoolchildren from Surrey in the United Kingdom aged 11–14 years took part. Twenty-seven percent of children reported having neck pain, 18% reported having upper back pain, and 22% reported having low back pain. A forward stepwise logistic regression was performed with pain categories the dependent variables. Neck pain was significantly associated with school furniture features, emotional and conduct problems, family history of low back pain and previous treatment for musculoskeletal disorders. Upper back pain was associated with school bag weight (3.4–4.45 kg), school furniture features, emotional problems and previous treatment for musculoskeletal disorders. Low back pain was associated with school furniture features, emotional problems, family history and previous injury or accident. It is important to recognise the influence of physical, psychological and family factors in children's pain.

Risikofaktoren für Rückenschmerzen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in Industrienationen

Factors that have led to the increasing prevalence of back pain amongst children and adolescents living in industrialized nations are mostly unknown. The following literature review was aimed at determining the risk factors for back pain amongst children and adolescents. We searched both PUBMED and MEDLINE between the years 1985 and 2003 for the keywords "children or adolescents" and "back pain". Only data published in original articles were used. The risk for suffering back pain is influenced by physical, behavioural, emotional and social factors. The effects of physical activity, sitting, muscle status, weight of schoolbags, exercise, television and computer use, as well as age and gender on the development of back pain in children and adolescents were examined. Associations between continuous or recurring back pain and psychosocial factors (lifestyle, emotional factors, social relationships) could be demonstrated. There was no relationship between changes of the spine seen by radiological tests and the development of chronic back pain. Longitudinal epidemiological studies are urgently needed to delineate the risk factors for the development as well as the natural history of chronic back pain in the young.

Schoolbag weight and musculoskeletal symptoms in New Zealand secondary schools

The weight of schoolbags and the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms amongst 140 students (70 third form students comprising 35 females and 35 males, and 70 sixth form students comprising 35 females and 35 males) from five New Zealand secondary schools was investigated. Schoolbag weight for third form students (mean age 13.6 years) was 13.2% of their body weight, while for sixth form students (mean age 17.1 years) it was 10.3% of their body weight. These weights may exceed the recommended guideline load limits for adult industrial workers. Musculoskeletal symptoms were reported by 77.1% of the students. Symptoms were most prevalent in the neck, shoulders, upper back and lower back. Although musculoskeletal symptoms are believed to be multifactorial in origin, the carriage of heavy schoolbags is a suspected contributory factor and may represent an overlooked daily physical stress for New Zealand secondary school students.

The weight of schoolbags and the occurrence of neck, shoulder, and back pain in young adolescents.

A cross-sectional study of 745 young adolescents in the area of two Regional Health Centers in the Netherlands. To assess the occurrence of neck and/or shoulder and back complaints in young adolescents and examine relationships with type and weight of schoolbags and other physical and psychologic risk factors. The occurrence of back pain in children and adolescents varies from 8% to 74% in the literature. Age, gender, and certain psychological factors appear to be important risk factors. An association with heavy schoolbags has been presumed but without clear scientific evidence. A questionnaire was used, asking about complaints of back, neck, and/or shoulders and about potential risk factors including psychosomatic factors. Length and weight of the children were determined. Schoolbags were weighed, and the relative weight of the schoolbag was calculated. Neck and/or shoulder complaints and also back complaints were reported by about 45% of young adolescents. Severe complaints of neck and/or shoulder were reported by 6%, and severe back complaints by 7% of the schoolchildren. The (relative) weight of schoolbags was not related to complaints of neck and/or shoulder and back. Psychosomatic factors showed the strongest association with the occurrence of neck and/or shoulder and back complaints. Psychosomatic factors appear to be more strongly related to the occurrence of neck and/or shoulder and back complaints than the type and weight of the schoolbag and other physical factors. The role of psychosomatic factors should be further explored in future longitudinal research.

Predictors of low back pain in British schoolchildren: a population-based prospective cohort study.

To determine the onset of low back pain (LBP) in schoolchildren and to investigate the role of mechanical and psychosocial factors as risk factors for its onset. A prospective population-based cohort study was conducted of 1046 schoolchildren, aged 11 to 14 years at baseline, identified as being free of LBP, from 39 secondary schools in Northwest England. New onset of LBP at 1-year follow-up was measured. Children who reported high levels of psychosocial difficulties were more likely to develop LBP than their peers (relative risk: 1.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-2.3). An excess risk was, in particular, associated with conduct problems (2.5; 1.7-3.7). Similarly, children who reported high numbers of somatic symptoms at baseline were at greater risk of developing LBP: abdominal pain (1.8; 1.1-3.0), headaches (1.6; 0.97-2.8), and sore throats (1.5; 0.8-2.6). In contrast, we have been unable to demonstrate a strong association between daily mechanical load (schoolbag weight) and the short-term risk of new-onset LBP (highest versus lowest quintile: 1.2; 0.7-2.1). In children who were initially free of LBP, adverse psychosocial factors and the presence of other preexisting somatic pain symptoms were predictive of future LBP, reflecting findings in adults. In contrast, there was little evidence of an increase in short-term risk associated with mechanical load across the range of weights commonly carried by children to school.

Low back pain in schoolchildren: the role of mechanical and psychosocial factors

Background: Low back pain (LBP) in schoolchildren with no apparent clinical cause is known to be a common problem, but considerably less is understood regarding the aetiology of such pain....

The weight and use of schoolbags in New Zealand secondary schools

The weight and use of schoolbags amongst 140 students (70 third form students comprising 35 females and 35 males, and 70 sixth form students comprising 35 females and 35 males) from five New Zealand secondary schools was investigated. Third form students, who were smaller in stature and weight than sixth form students, were found to carry 13.2% of their body weight in schoolbags, while sixth form students carried 10.3% of their body weight. Third form students reported carrying their schoolbags for a longer period of time than sixth form students. Third form students also had less access to lockers to store their schoolbooks and supplies as only one of the five schools investigated provided lockers for third form students, whereas four of the five schools provided lockers for sixth form students. Most students used backpacks to transport their supplies, and these were predominantly carried on two shoulders. Heavy schoolbags, long carriage durations and lack of access to lockers amongst third formers, could contribute to the production or maintenance of musculoskeletal symptoms. This study suggests that third form students may be at a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms than sixth form students.

The weight and use of schoolbags in New Zealand secondary schools

The weight and use of schoolbags amongst 140 students (70 third form students comprising 35 females and 35 males, and 70 sixth form students comprising 35 females and 35 males) from five New Zealand secondary schools was investigated. Third form students, who were smaller in stature and weight than sixth form students, were found to carry 13.2% of their body weight in schoolbags, while sixth form students carried 10.3% of their body weight. Third form students reported carrying their schoolbags for a longer period of time than sixth form students. Third form students also had less access to lockers to store their schoolbooks and supplies as only one of the five schools investigated provided lockers for third form students, whereas four of the five schools provided lockers for sixth form students. Most students used backpacks to transport their supplies, and these were predominantly carried on two shoulders. Heavy schoolbags, long carriage durations and lack of access to lockers amongst third formers, could contribute to the production or maintenance of musculoskeletal symptoms. This study suggests that third form students may be at a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms than sixth form students.