Backpacks for schoolchildren - interesting facts and stats
- While many of the current bags children use may be fashionable, unless they allow for even distribution across the back they can cause pain.
- According to an international study, daily backpack carrying is a frequent cause of discomfort for school children. School backpacks were felt to be heavy by 79.1% of children, to cause fatigue by 65.7%, and to cause back pain by 46.1%i.
- Figures from a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine have shown that 68.6% of children using hand held school bags and 53.7% of children carrying a bag on one shoulder are experiencing back painii.
- Research conducted by the Chiropractors' Association of Victoria has found that 46% of children carry bags in excess of the recommendation with 12% carrying up to 20% of their body weight.

Some tips to consider regarding school backpacks
- Spread the load - wearing a correctly fitted backpack can ease backaches and pains.
- Plan ahead - don't let children carry lots of equipment at the same time.
- Look for backpacks with wide, padded shoulder straps, which ergonomically contour to a child's body.
- Encourage children to wear backpacks using both straps, over both shoulders.
- Never buy a backpack wider than chest width, or lower than the hollow of the lower back.
- Do not exceed 10% of the child's body weight in the backpack. For example, a child of 40kg should carry less than 4kg in their backpack.

How can chiropractors help?
- Chiropractors are uniquely positioned to educate parents, teachers and students about spinal care through their five-year university training.
- Chiropractors are skilled in the early detection of postural problems that are caused by poor carrying habits, ill-fitting backpacks or long periods on computers/gaming consoles.

References:
i Negrini, S., & Carabalona, R. (2002). Backpacks on! Schoolchildren's Perceptions of Load, Association With Back Pain and factors Determining the Load. Spine, 27(2), 187-195. ii Troussier B., Davoine P., de Gaudemaris R., Fauconnier, J.M., & Phelip, X. (1994). Back pain in school children; A study among 1178 pupils. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 26, 743-746.

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