Relationship Between Backpack Carrying Habits and Musculoskeletal Pain in School-Aged Children
Keywords:
Backpack carrying habits, Musculoskeletal pain, School-aged children, Ergonomics, Neck pain, Back pain, Posture, Backpack weight.Abstract
Background: Backpack carrying habits are recognized as an important factor influencing musculoskeletal health in school-aged children. Excessive backpack weight, prolonged carrying duration, improper carrying techniques, and poor backpack ergonomics may contribute to postural deviations, muscle lethargy, neck pain, shoulders pain, and back pain. As children undergo rapid musculoskeletal growth, these factors may adversely affect spinal health, physical function, and academic performance, highlighting the need to investigate backpack-related risks.
Objective: To identify risk factors for neck, shoulder and back pain associated with backpacks among school-aged children, to provide evidence to support preventive ergonomic interventions in schools.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 100 children (65 boys and 35 girls) in the age group of 10–16 years by multistage stratified random sampling. Backpack characteristics, carrying habits, and musculoskeletal pain were assessed using standardized questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test for independence were used for data analysis.
Results: The findings indicated a significant association between improper backpack carrying habits and musculoskeletal pain.
Conclusion: Promoting ergonomic backpack use may reduce musculoskeletal pain and improve spinal health among school-aged children.
