Behavior of School Bag Carriage and Its Average Weight in School Age Children
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Published:
Feb 28, 2019
Keywords:
school bag carriage school bag weight school age behavior shoulder pain
Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction: Inappropriate behavior and overweight of a school bag may be the cause a change in posture and movement that might lead to musculoskeletal pain in students. Objectives: The purposes of this study were to survey the behavior of carrying a school bag and identifying the average weight of a school bag in school age children. Method : A self-reported questionnaire concerning behavior and pain related to school bag carriage was surveyed in 309 students who studied in Janokrong Secondary School, levels Mattayom 1-3, Muang district, Phitsanulok. Descriptive statistics were used. The average weight of school bags was calculated as a percentage of body weight (% BW). Results: Seventy-seven percent of students used two-striped backpack without chest and waist belt straps and 45.6 % of them carried school bags below waist level. Student spent less than 10 minutes (32.4%) to commuted from home to school (35.6 %). This is more than half (52.4%) of the total surveyed students reported pain related to their bag carriage at both shoulder areas. The average weight of a school bag was 6.22±3.04 %BW.
Conclusion: The average weight of a school bag was not exceeded 10 %BW. This is in accordance with a guideline for appropriate school bag, some inappropriate behaviors were found in this study. Therefore, the suggestions and knowledges to improve self-awareness of appropriate schoolbag carriage are crucial for prevention further adverse consequences in school age children.
Article Details
How to Cite
1.
Arunwattanachok P, Thawinchai N, Indongloy M, Rungin J, Pichaiworaphat A, Prukmath K, Takam J, Kongaroon N. Behavior of School Bag Carriage and Its Average Weight in School Age Children. Thai J Phys Ther [internet]. 2019 Feb. 28 [cited 2026 Jan. 5];41(1):16-29. available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tjpt/article/view/114872
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Research Articles
References
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28. Chow DH, Leung KT, Holmes AD. Changes in spinal curvature and proprioception of schoolboys carrying different weights of backpack. Ergonomics.2007;50(12):2148-56.
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30. Ramprasad M, Allas J, Raghuveer AK. Effect of backpack weight on postural angles in preadolescent children. Indian Pediatrics.2010;47(7):575-8.
31. Kisner F, Fiebert I, Roach K, Moore J.Postural compensations and subjective complaints due to backpack loads and wear time in schoolchildren.Pediatr Phys Ther.2013:25:15-24.
32. Korvessis P, Koureas G, Zacharatos S, Papazisis Z. Backpacks, back pain, sagital spinal curves and trunk alignment in school adolescent. Spine.2005:30(2);247-55.
33. Smith B, Ashton KM, Bohl D, Clark D, clark RC, Metheny JB, Klassen S. Influence of carrying a backpack on pelvic tilt, rotation, and obliquity in female college students.Gait Posture.2006;23(3):263-7.
34. Drzal-Grabiec J, Snela S, Rachwal M, Podgorska J, Rykala J. Effect of carrying a backpack in an asymmetrical manner on the asymmetries of the trunk and parameters defining lateral flexion of the spine. Hum Factors.2015;57(2):218-26.
35. Sedrez JA, de Rosa MI, Noll M, Medeiros Fda S, Candotti CT. Risk factors associated with structural postural changes in the spinal column of children and adolescents. Rev Paul Pediatr.2015.33(1):72-81.
36. Phonpichit C, Chansirinukor W, Akamanon C. The response of the body when carrying a handbag. Work.2016 Nov22;55(3):673-8.
37. Abutaleb DDM.Effect of shoulder side pack on dynamic postural stability in young healthy female.Int J Physiother.2016;3(3):252-7.
38. Qureshi Y, Shamus E. Unilateral shoulder bags: can they be won in a way to reduce postural asymmetry?. The International Journal of Allied Health Science and Practice.2012;10(4):1-9.
39. Dianat I, Karimi MA. Association of parental awareness of using schoolbag with musculoskeletal syndroms and carrying habits of schoolchildren. J Sch Nurs.2013;0(0):1-8.
40. Dianat I, Javadivala Z, Asghri-Jafarabadi M, Asl Hashemi A, Haslegrave CM. The use of schoolbag and musculoskeletal symptoms among primary school children: are the recommended weight limits adequate?Ergonomics.2013;56:79-89.
2. Kovacs FM, Gestoso M, Gil del Real MT, Lopez J, Mufraggi N, Mendez JI. Risk factors for non-specific low back pain in schoolchildren and their parents: a population based study. Pain.2003;103(3):259-68.
3. Rodríguez-Oviedo P, Ruano-Ravina A, Pérez-Ríos M, García FB, Gómez-Fernández D, Fernández-Alonso A, et al. School children’s backpacks, back pain and back pathologies. Arch Dis Child.2012;97(8):730-2.
4. Negrini S, Carabalona R. Backpacks on! Schoolchildren's perceptions of load, associations with back pain and factors determining the load. Spine. 2002;27:187-95.
5. Navuluri S, Carabalona R. Study on the relationship between backpack use and back and neck pain among adolescents. Nurs Health Sci. 2006;8:208-15.
6. Sheir-Neiss GI, Kruse RW, Rahman T, Jacobson LP, Pelli JA. The association of backpack use and back pain in adolescents. Spine.2003;28:922-30.
7. Rai A, Agarawal S. Back problem due to heavy backpack in school children. J Human Social Sci.2013;10(6):22-6.
8. Mackie H, Stevenson J, Reid S, Reid SA, Legg SJ.The effect of simulated school load carriage on shoulder strap tension forces and shoulder interface pressure. Appl Ergonomics.2005;36:199-206.
9. Whittfield J, Legg SJ, Hedderley DI. Schoolbag weight and musculoskeletal symtomps in New Zealand secondary schools.Appl Ergonomics.2005;36:193-8.
10. Haselgrove C, Straker L, Smith A, O'Sullivan P, Perry M, Sloan N. Perceived school bag load, duration of carriage and method of transport to school are associated with spinal pain in adolescents. Aust J Physiother.2008;54(3):193-200.
11. Hong Y, Fong DT, Li JX. The effect of school bag design and load on spinal posture during stair use by chidren. Ergonomics.2011;54:1207-13.
12. Abdullah AM, McDonald R, Jaberzadeh S. The effects of backpack load and placement on postural deviation in healthy students: a systematic review. Int J Eng Res Appl.2012 Nov-Dec;2(6):466-81.
13. Negrini S, Negrini A. Postural effects of symmetrical and asymmetrical loads on the spines of schoolchildren. Scoliosis.2007;2:8.
14. Chansirinukor W, Wilson D, Grimmer K, Dansie B. Effect of backpacks on students : measurement of cervical and shoulder posture. Aust J Physiother.2001;47(2):110-6.
15. Golriz S,Walker b.Can load carriage system weight, design and placement affect pain and discomfort? A systematic review. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil.2011;24:1-16.
16. Mackie HW, Beadle LJ, Hedderley D. Comparison of four different backpacks intended for school use.Appl Ergon.2003;34(3):257-64.
17. Al-Hazzaa HM. School backpack. How much load do Saudi school boys carry on their shoulders? Saudi Med J.2006;27(10):1567-71.
18. Forjuoh SN. School backpack weight: a survey of students in Ghana, Guatemala and the USA. In Control Saf Promot.2004;11(4):287-9.
19. Deesungnern S, Thawinchai N. A survey of factors associated with schoolbag carrying and pain during schoolbag usage in high school students of Darawittayalai School, Chiang Mai.Thai J of Phys Ther.2014;36(2):70-8.
20. Ruttanaseeha W, Sahunin A, Supad P, et al. Study of weiht excess of year 1-4 students' school bag at Khon Kaen University Primary Demonstration School. Srinagarind Med J.2009;24(1):1-8.
21. Bernstein RM, Cozen H. Evaluation of back pain in children and adolescents. Am Fam Physician.2007;76:1669-76.
22. David J. Evaluation of back pain in children. Paediatr Child Health.2003;18:56-60.
23. Silpjaru T. SPSS for research and statistics. 9th ed. Bangkok: Business R&D; 2008.
24. Tirakanon S. Methodology on social science research: Guides to implementation. 2nd ed. Bangkok : Chulalongkorn University Printing House; 2008.
25. Lindstrom-Hazel D. The backpack problem is evident but the solution is less obvious. Work.2009;32:329-38.
26. The American Occupational Therapy Association. Backpack Facts: What’s all the flap about? [cited 2014,March 10. Available from: https://www.aota.org/media/CorporateFiles/Backpack/Whats%20All%20the%20Flap%20About.pdf
27. Singh T, Koh M. Effects of backpack load position on spatiotemporal parameters and trunk forward lean. Gait and Posture. 29,2009,49-53.
28. Chow DH, Leung KT, Holmes AD. Changes in spinal curvature and proprioception of schoolboys carrying different weights of backpack. Ergonomics.2007;50(12):2148-56.
29. Hundekari J, Chilwant Kalyan, Vedpathak S, Wadde S. Does alteration in backpack load affects posture of school children? J Den Med Sci.2013;7(4):71-5.
30. Ramprasad M, Allas J, Raghuveer AK. Effect of backpack weight on postural angles in preadolescent children. Indian Pediatrics.2010;47(7):575-8.
31. Kisner F, Fiebert I, Roach K, Moore J.Postural compensations and subjective complaints due to backpack loads and wear time in schoolchildren.Pediatr Phys Ther.2013:25:15-24.
32. Korvessis P, Koureas G, Zacharatos S, Papazisis Z. Backpacks, back pain, sagital spinal curves and trunk alignment in school adolescent. Spine.2005:30(2);247-55.
33. Smith B, Ashton KM, Bohl D, Clark D, clark RC, Metheny JB, Klassen S. Influence of carrying a backpack on pelvic tilt, rotation, and obliquity in female college students.Gait Posture.2006;23(3):263-7.
34. Drzal-Grabiec J, Snela S, Rachwal M, Podgorska J, Rykala J. Effect of carrying a backpack in an asymmetrical manner on the asymmetries of the trunk and parameters defining lateral flexion of the spine. Hum Factors.2015;57(2):218-26.
35. Sedrez JA, de Rosa MI, Noll M, Medeiros Fda S, Candotti CT. Risk factors associated with structural postural changes in the spinal column of children and adolescents. Rev Paul Pediatr.2015.33(1):72-81.
36. Phonpichit C, Chansirinukor W, Akamanon C. The response of the body when carrying a handbag. Work.2016 Nov22;55(3):673-8.
37. Abutaleb DDM.Effect of shoulder side pack on dynamic postural stability in young healthy female.Int J Physiother.2016;3(3):252-7.
38. Qureshi Y, Shamus E. Unilateral shoulder bags: can they be won in a way to reduce postural asymmetry?. The International Journal of Allied Health Science and Practice.2012;10(4):1-9.
39. Dianat I, Karimi MA. Association of parental awareness of using schoolbag with musculoskeletal syndroms and carrying habits of schoolchildren. J Sch Nurs.2013;0(0):1-8.
40. Dianat I, Javadivala Z, Asghri-Jafarabadi M, Asl Hashemi A, Haslegrave CM. The use of schoolbag and musculoskeletal symptoms among primary school children: are the recommended weight limits adequate?Ergonomics.2013;56:79-89.
