Backpacks and Purses- How heavy is too heavy?

In the developed world at least 90% of children use backpacks. Backpacks are an inevitable part of a student’s life. However, the amount of weight in the backpack is controllable.

The recommended weight limit for the backpack is 10-15% of the child’s body weight. This means that a child of 75lbs should only be carrying 7.5-11lbs. It has been found in studies that some children are carrying 50% of their body weight on their backs.

It is critical that the backpack be worn on both shoulders. If the weight is not evenly distributed across both shoulders, then the backpack becomes more detrimental than helpful.

It has been found that injuries and backpack use have been correlated as an overuse syndrome. Since children have yet to completely develop, proper backpack use should be emphasized during this period so that injury does not become long-term.

A correlation has been found between backpack use and back pain in children between the ages of 9-18. It has been found that fatigue is a predictor of back pain rather than weight. However, the more weight you have, then the higher your chances of having back pain.

A study has been done that has found that if the weight of the backpack exceeds 20% of the child’s body weight, blood pressure increases significantly. Also, this biomechanical shift in weight also alters lung mechanics and breathing becomes more difficult when the weight exceeds 20%.

The heavy backpack also causes postural changes, putting strain on the low back and the neck particularly, which can not only cause pain but can also alter posture.

Although backpacks are a necessary part of a student’s life, it is incredibly important for the child’s health and growth to keep the weight low. Also, ensuring the proper packing and wearing of the backpack is also crucial.

Pack it Light, Wear it Right!

Resources

1. The Association of Backpack Use and Back Pain in Adolescents. 2003. Spine 28(9):922-930.