Schoolbags -don't have to be a pain in the back

Carrying a schoolbag is frequently associated with pain or discomfort and can often lead to poor posture. This is a topic of worldwide concern for parents and children. However, these effects can be greatly decreased if some attention is given to the choice of schoolbag, the contents of the schoolbag and the way the schoolbag is lifted and carried.

Chartered Physiotherapist, Sara Dockrell has highlighted the health risks to children in carrying over-heavy schoolbags and offers some guidelines to parents in their choice of schoolbag.

Choice of Schoolbag

Buy a schoolbag that can be carried on the back, which has a padded back, adjustable padded shoulder straps and waist strap. It is important that it is the correct size for the child. Don't buy one that is too big, as it will hit against the child's bottom as he/she walks.

Contents of the Schoolbag

The child should only carry what is necessary in the schoolbag, with heavier items placed closest to the child's spine. There is a general rule of thumb that a child should not carry more than 10% of his/her own bodyweight.

Schoolbag Lifting and Carriage

The way the schoolbag is lifted and carried and the length of time for which it is carried are very important. Avoid swinging the bag around to get it on to your back. Put the bag on a surface and then with your back to it, put your arms through the straps. Alternatively another person could help.
A schoolbag that is worn on the back i.e. over both shoulders is the best. It requires less effort, and promotes a better posture than carrying the bag over one shoulder or in one hand.

A survey of some Irish 10-year olds found that only 62% of them carried their bags on their backs although 93% of them had schoolbags that could have been carried that way. It may not always be considered to be the cool thing to do. The schoolbag should only be carried when necessary so leave it on something until you are ready.  Don't stand around with the bag on your back when you don't have to.

The problems associated with schoolbag carriage are also associated with poor posture generally, and in particular, sitting posture. The current trend towards an increase in sedentary activities among children means that they are sitting for long periods of time, often in a poor posture. This factor along with falling levels of fitness are all contributing to the pain and discomfort associated with schoolbag carriage.  Recent research suggests that fitness may play a role in how well a child can carry his/her schoolbag.

Addressing the problems of schoolbags will involve a bit of thought and co-operation on the part of parents, children and teachers but if it can help to make schoolbags safer and more comfortable to carry it will be worthwhile.

Sara Dockrell is a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and Lecturer in the School of Physiotherapy, Trinity College, Dublin. She is involved in teaching and research on problems associated with schoolbag carriage and schoolchildren's posture at computers.

For more information visit the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists website at www.iscp.ie