Images of elementary and middle school students carrying oversized backpacks filled with heavy books are increasingly common. Regularly wearing overloaded backpacks can lead to back pain, neck pain, and over time, may cause spinal deformities.
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Such big backpacks, where are the kids? |
Recently, this issue was reaffirmed by a study conducted by scientists from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of California, USA.
The researchers had 10 teenagers, consisting of 5 boys and 5 girls, wear the same type of backpack equipped with pressure sensors attached to the two straps. The weight of the backpacks was gradually increased to correspond to 10%, 20%, and 30% of the children’s body weight. The pressure on the two straps was carefully measured each time the weight was increased.
The results surprised the scientists: even when both straps were used simultaneously, the pressure from both straps on the children’s shoulders was neither fixed nor balanced as many had previously thought.
Moreover, even when the weight of the backpack was only 10% of the body weight, it was still deemed heavy for the children. If excessive weight is concentrated on the two straps, it could impede blood circulation to the muscles and affected skin areas.
Below are three useful tips provided by the researchers involved in this study:
– First: The backpack should be worn high. Wearing it this way reduces pressure on the shoulders and back.
– Second: Opt for backpacks with wide straps and ensure the weight is evenly distributed across both shoulders.
– Third: Make an effort to minimize the amount of school supplies stored in the backpack to reduce weight while carrying.
