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The Impact of Backpack Loads on School Children: A Critical Narrative Review

Author

Listed:
  • Michelle Perrone

    (Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia)

  • Robin Orr

    (Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia)

  • Wayne Hing

    (Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia)

  • Nikki Milne

    (Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia)

  • Rodney Pope

    (School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, Albury-Wodonga, NSW 2640, Australia)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle Perrone & Robin Orr & Wayne Hing & Nikki Milne & Rodney Pope, 2018. "The Impact of Backpack Loads on School Children: A Critical Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-25, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:11:p:2529-:d:182166
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
    2. Aaron Joseph & Amy Wiley & Robin Orr & Benjamin Schram & J. Jay Dawes, 2018. "The Impact of Load Carriage on Measures of Power and Agility in Tactical Occupations: A Critical Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kai Way Li & Jenn Chun Chu & Ching Chung Chen, 2019. "Strength Decrease, Perceived Physical Exertion and Endurance Time for Backpacking Tasks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-13, April.
    2. Ivan Jurak & Ozren Rađenović & Filip Bolčević & Andreja Bartolac & Vladimir Medved, 2019. "The Influence of the Schoolbag on Standing Posture of First-Year Elementary School Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-13, October.
    3. Paulina Tomal & Anna Fryzowicz & Elżbieta Skorupska & Lechosław B. Dworak, 2022. "Influence of School Backpack Load as a Variable Affecting Gait Kinematics among Seven-Year-Old Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-12, March.

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