Effect of Postural Discomfort on School Going Children Carrying Heavy Backpacks

In this era, this is very new concern regarding weight of the children carrying heavy school bag. There are many negative consequences, such as heavy load on the developing spine and discomfort. Backpack leads to the development on back pain and other postural injuries. These problems associated with backpack use and have become increasing concern with school children. In this study 300 children were selected randomly for their personal information and postural discomfort was access through interview schedule along with body discomfort chart. Most of the children reported the occurrence of sharp radiating and pins& needle type pain; neck, shoulder, upper back, lower back, leg, knee irrespective of gender. There was no significant difference of postural discomfort in neck, shoulder, arms, finger, leg, knees and toes but in the upper back and lower back same discomfort found due to heavy backpacks. The result indicated prevalence of postural discomfort high in both gender. Preventive points should be taken while carrying backpacks.