Effect of backpack use on musculoskeletal discomfort among preadolescents school children

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to investigate the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) by using Nordic musculoskeletal discomfort and VAS scale in different body parts of 7th class students while carrying the heavy back packs. It was a descriptive study conducted in CBSE affiliated schools of Meerut and total selected samples were 100 students, 50 boys (50%) and 50 girls (50%). They all were selected by using the random sampling method. To investigate WMSDs, it included detailed questions on work-related pain in different body parts. Work-related pain/discomfort was reported in 12 month, one month and prevalence in 7 days. All the selected students had given their responses, which were analyzed by statistical analysis i.e. frequency, percentage, mean score, SD, range and ranking order. The results showed that majority of respondents expressed severe pain in both shoulders (32 percent), lower back (30 percent), neck (26 percent), upper back (18 percent), right shoulder and legs (16 percent), knees (14 percent), elbows (6 percent) left shoulder (2 percent), wrist and hands just because of heavy backpacks. Data revealed that during the last 12 months cent percent of the boys reported pain and discomfort in upper back. Revealed that 83.33 percent girls and 90 percent boys reported pain in upper back whereas 73.33 percent in ankles and feet during last 7 days.