Objective
To investigate school children's backpack loads, its association with backpack loads and backpain, schoolchildren's perception of their backpack loads, school conditions, and personal factors that determine backpack loads in Korea. Method: We weighed the backpacks of 642 school children in three elementary schools in Suwon city. A validated questionnaire evaluating backpain, features of backpack carrying and subjective perceptions of backpack loads was administered to 450 schoolchildren. The data were divided into two groups, those who had experienced backpain and those who had not. Each group was analyzed according to backpack load, perception of backpack load, school condition and personal factors. Results: The mean weight of the backpack was 2.65 kg, which was 7.85% of mean body weight. The number of children whose backpack loads exceeded 15% of their body weight was 3.3%. 34.5% of children experienced backpain and backpack weight and backpack weight/body weight ratio were significantly higher in the group who experienced backpain. Time spent carrying of backpacks was longer and more students reported heaviness and fatigue when carrying backpacks in the same group. There was a difference in manners of carrying of backpacks and locker usage between the two groups. An improper method of backpack carrying, which is more than 10 cm below the waistline was noted in 85% of the school children. Conclusion: Carrying a heavier backpack is related to backpain in schoolchildren and a wide investigation should be performed concerning backpack loads of school children in Korea. Adequate backpack load guidelines should be determined. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2010; 34: 265- 269)
