THE EFFECTS OF SCHOOLBAG USE ON MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOLCHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of schoolbag weight on musculoskeletal pains. Methods: The age, gender, height, body weight, presence of systemic diseases and scoliosis, Weight of schoolbag, the duration of SB carrying, method of travel to/from school, hours per week using a computer and method of studying were reported. in this retrospective study. The standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to evaluate the musculoskeletal pains.Results: A total of 751 girls and 1046 boys were enrolled in the study. There were 756 children (42.1%) carrying schoolbags which were more than 10% of their body weight. The mean weight of schoolbag and percentage of weight of schoolbag to body weight were significantly higher in schoolchildren with musculoskeletal pains than without (p<0.05). Most of the musculoskeletal pains were in neck, lower back, upper back and shoulders respectively.Conclusions: We found that musculoskeletal pains were more observed in those with heavy schoolbags in this study. We suggest carrying out prospective longitudinal studies about this subject and detection of prevention to be taken about this subject.Key words: Musculoskeletal pain; schoolbag; schoolchildren Amaç: Bu çalışmada okul çantası ağırlığının kas iskelet sistemi ağrılarına etkisi amaçlanmıştır.