The effect of education on backpack wearing and posture in a middle school population

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Feingold, Amy J. | Jacobs, Karen

Affiliations: 5 Bonnie Brae Ct., Granite Springs, NY 10527, USA. Tel.: +1 914 248 7626; E-mail: amy.feingold@alum.bu.edu | Boston University, Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston, MA 02215, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author

Abstract: {\it Purpose:} The effect of education on proper wearing of a backpack was studied to determine whether or not a middle school population would improve posture during load carriage by maintaining a more natural posture and to determine if schoolchildren would comply with proper backpack wearing. {\it Method:} 17 middle school children with a mean age of 12.7 years were randomized into control and intervention groups. Participants were videotaped in four conditions from an anterior view and from a lateral view. Members of both groups participated in Sessions A and C, which consisted of videotaping of the four conditions. Intervention members additionally participated in Session B, consisting of education on how to wear a backpack properly. All participants were interviewed concerning their participation and its effect on how they wore their backpack. Video footage was analyzed to calculate the change in skeletal angles as a result of different methods of load carriage. Interview data was coded and analyzed. {\it Results:} No quantitative significance was found between control and intervention groups in regards to education on proper backpack wearing improving posture. Interviews revealed that intervention group members benefited from the education on proper wearing of a backpack. 87.5% of the intervention group members proceeded to continue wearing the backpack properly after the education intervention. {\it Conclusions:} Education regarding proper wearing of a backpack may impact the middle school aged child by improving quality of life as noted through decrease in reports of musculoskeletal pain by participants.

Keywords: ergonomics, school-aged children, trunk forward lean

Journal: Work, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 287-294, 2002