Talbott N, Bhattacharya A, Shukla R, Levin L, He C; University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati OH, USA. talbotnr@uc.edu.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of self-reported backpack weight and carry time on posture, pain and falls in children in grades four through twelve. SUBJECTS: Students in grades 4-12 were recruited from three school districts to participate in the distribution and return of a backpack survey. A total of 869 students were involved in the study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Surveys were distributed by teachers to the parents of students in the schools. The six page survey consisted of the required consent and open and close ended questions addressing backpack characteristics, backpack wear, weight of the backpack, time backpack was carried to and from school, falls, pain, areas of discomfort and medical interventions. Surveys were returned directly to the authors via a self-addressed postage paid envelope. No incentives were given. ANALYSES: Upon return, survey responses were entered into a spreadsheet. Descriptive statistics on categorical and non-categorical replies were completed using SAS. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate the effects of backpack weight and time on posture, pain and falls. RESULTS: Falls with the backpack on were reported by 38.2% of the respondents. Falls were significantly related to backpack weight and time of carry to and from school. Posture was affected by the backpack in 80% of the subjects. Over 70% indicated they stoop or bend forward while the backpack is on. Weight significantly affects posture (p<.0001) with heavier backpacks resulting in more respondents indicating they bent forward. Current pain attributed by respondents to the backpack was reported by 33.5% of the subjects. Weight and time of carry were significantly related to the pain. CONCLUSIONS: Backpack weight and the time a backpack is carried significantly affect posture, pain and falls in students surveyed in three school districts. Interactions between these factors should be further investigated along with prospective study of objective changes in posture, pain and falls over an extended period of backpack wear. FUNDING SOURCE: Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati.

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