The impact of backpack loads on school children: A critical narrative review

Michelle Perrone, Robin Orr, Wayne Hing, Nikki Milne, Rodney Pope

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

42 Citations (Scopus)
43 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Backpack loads of school students during school days have been suggested to range from 10% to as high as 25% of their body weight and may have a negative impact on their body. The aim of this review was to identify and review studies that have examined impacts of contemporary backpack loads on school children. Methods: A systematic search was conducted of the literature using key search terms. After relevant studies published in recent years were selected using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, the studies were critically appraised and relevant data were extracted and tabulated prior to conducting a critical narrative synthesis of findings. Results: Twenty-one studies were included, ranging in methodological quality from poor to good (critical appraisal scores 22% to 77%). Students carried on average over 15% of their own body weight, which caused biomechanical and physiological adaptations that could increase musculoskeletal injury risk, fatigue, redness, swelling and discomfort. Conclusion: Considering the limited methodological quality and variations in foci across studies, further research is needed to elucidate: (1) the loads students carry around on a school day in their school backpacks and; (2) the biomechanical, physiological and physical effects of load carriage on students.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2529
Pages (from-to)1-25
Number of pages25
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume15
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Nov 2018

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