Children At Risk From Heavy Backpacks
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday June 20, 1998
Overloaded backpacks can cause long-term back and shoulder problems in school children, a recent study found.
However, Wollongong chiropractor Andrew Ware maintains the backpack still is far better than its predecessor.
``It comes down to correct use of the product," he said.
The study by South Australia University's Centre for Physiotherapy Research examined 1200 secondary school students who use backpacks.
Students as young as 12 were found to be carting 10 per cent of their own bodyweight in school books every 40 minutes between classes.
This was the maximum load recommended for adults let alone children, research centre director Dr Karen Grimmer said.
Mr Ware said there were three important rules with backpacks.
``Firstly, children should take steps to reduce the load in the packs," he said.
``This can be done for example by making more use of school lockers in between classes rather than carry the day's books in one go.
``The next thing to look at is the position of the pack. It should be positioned on the mid spine and not on the upper back which causes neck and shoulder pain.
``Lastly, the pack should be adjustable for a comfortable fit."
Mr Ware said he believed children and parents were reasonably aware of the correct use of a backpack.
``I see a number of children in my travels and there aren't too many who ignore the basic rules."
He agreed with the report that bags slung over one shoulder was a big no-no.
© 1998 Illawarra Mercury
