Affiliations: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of
Allied Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College, Cincinnati, OH,
USA | Department of Environmental Health, College of
Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Nancy Talbott, University of
Cincinnati, PO Box 670394, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0394, USA. Tel.: +1 513 558
7475; Fax: +1 513 558 7474; E-mail: talbotnr@uc.edu
Abstract: The objectives of this study were to 1) describe the characteristics
of the backpacks used by students 10–18 years of age, 2) describe self
reported pain related to backpack use and 3) evaluate the relationship between
self reported pain and perceived backpack weight, duration of backpack use and
posture when wearing a backpack. A cross-sectional survey of 871 students
assessed the features of the backpack carried; the self perceived backpack
weight, duration and posture; and any backpack related pain. Results indicate
that 99% of students surveyed carry backpacks, 83% carry their backpacks
over both shoulders and the presence of adjustable shoulder straps were the
most common feature of the backpacks. Half of the students perceive their
backpack as heavy and 46% indicate they carry the backpack 10–20 minutes to
and from school. Pain attributed to backpack use was reported by 33.5% of
the students. Perceived backpack weight, duration of backpack carriage,
posture, gender and school district were significantly associated with reported
symptoms. Although other socioeconomic and demographic characteristics may
contribute to backpack related pain, this study suggests that students perceive
a relationship between backpack use, the duration of use, posture and pain
supporting the suggestion that simple weight-based controls of backpacks may
not be sufficient to eliminate pain perceived as due to backpack use.
