Backpack Weight and Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Secondary School Students, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: . The aim of this study was to investigate of relationship of musculoskeletal symptoms with weight of backpack in Tehran secondary school students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in the city of Tehran in 2009. Two hundred thirteen students partici­pated in study. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used, asking about complaints of back, neck, and/or shoulders. Length and weight of the children were determined. Schoolbags were weighed, and the relative weight of the schoolbag was calculated. Results: Most prevalent  discomfort was in shoulders as 38.1%, neck 27.6% and back 16.7%. Average difference of weight of backpack in sample that had musculoskeletal with other samples was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: .  

Keywords

• Backpack
• Musculoskeletal symptom
• Schoolbag
• Student
• Iran