Heavy Backpacks Are Associated with Back Pain in Teens

Risk for back pain was 50% higher among those with the heaviest versus lightest backpacks.

Although experts recommend schoolchildren carry backpacks that weigh less than 10% of their body weight, many carry loads that are heavier. In a cross-sectional study of 1403 children (age range, 12–17 years) at 11 schools in Spain, researchers examined the relation between the weight of children's backpacks and the presence of back pain lasting longer than 15 days during the prior year and previously diagnosed back pathology (e.g., scoliosis or kyphosis). Students were grouped into quartiles by backpack weight.

Mean backpack weight was 7 kg. More than half the children (61%) carried backpacks that weighed more than 10% of their body weight, and 18% carried backpacks that exceeded 15% of their body weight. One quarter of the cohort reported …

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)