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Studies disagree about heavy backpacks causing back pain in teens.
2003 JUL 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Many students carry heavy backpacks, but two studies in a recent issue of the journal Spine disagree as to whether these heavy loads increase the risk of back pain.
An American study says yes, heavy backpacks are one of several factors contributing to back pain in teens. But a study from the Netherlands finds no link, suggesting that psychosomatic factors play a more important role.
The U.S. study, led by Geraldine I. Sheir-Neiss of Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, included 1,126 students, aged 12 to 18 years. Overall, 74% of the students reported back pain. Back pain was more frequent in girls and in older students.
The students' backpacks were heavy: average weight was 18 pounds, or 14% of the students' body weight. In this study, students with heavier backpacks had higher rates of back pain. Other factors also increased back pain risk, including poorer general health and higher body mass index.
At some of the schools in the American study, students were not allowed to carry backpacks between classes. Students at these schools had lower rates of back pain.
The Dutch study, led by Dr. Charlotte van Gent of Regional Health Centre RegioArnhem, evaluated neck, shoulder, and back pain in 745 secondary school students. Forty-five percent of students reported pain, including a 6% rate of severe neck or shoulder pain and a 7% rate of severe back pain.
As in the American study, the backpacks were heavy: average weight ...
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...girl walk by with a packed bag as the school bell rings. "I don't see how she keeps from falling over with hers." But heavy backpacks aren't a laughing matter. They are a hefty problem. The American Federation of Teachers reports that in 1999 the American...
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- News wire article from: Asian News International July 26, 2009 700+ words
...Byline: ANI Washington, July 26 (ANI): Children returning back to school are likely to struggle with the weight of their heavy backpacks, thereby increasing their risk of suffering from an injury, warns an expert. "Parents should inspect their child's...
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- News wire article from: The Hindustan Times July 26, 2009 700+ words
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Source: HighBeam Research, Studies disagree about heavy backpacks causing back pain in teens.