Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea (대한인간공학회지)

Ergonomics Society of Korea (대한인간공학회)
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Correlation between Perceived Backpack Weight and Musculoskeletal Pain for Elementary School Children

초등학교 학생이 지각한 가방무게와 근골격계 통증과의 상관관계

  • Jung, Min-Ye (Department of Occupational Therapy, Yonsei University)
  • 정민예 (연세대학교 보건과학대학 작업치료학과 및 보건과학 연구소)
  • Published : 2006.11.30
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between weights of backpack and back and shoulder pains of elementary school students in Korea. A cross-sectional sample of 278 boys and 233 girls aged between 7 and 12 years were analyzed for this study. 49.1% of the participated children reported their backpacks were felt heavy, and the weights of their backpack were grater than 13.3% of their body weight. About 65.4% of students carried greater than 10% of their body weights. The weight of the backpack showed significant positive relationship with shoulder pain but not with their back pain. The results of this study suggested that overweighed backpack could cause the musculoskeletal pain to the elementary school students. Therefore, an effective backpack safety program for parents and students is necessary to educate them how to prevent possible musculosketal pain related to the weight of backpack within the perspective of the ergonomical approach.

Keywords

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