BACKPACKS – LUMBAGO AFFECT ADOLESCENT AND CHILDREN: A REVIEW

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Occurrence of Low Back Pain (LBP) at an early age, the associated causal
factors and resulting consequences in adulthood have been an area of interest
for many researchers around the globe. A systematic review in accordance
with PRISMA was performed to explore the prevalence of LBP and significant
role of carrying heavy backpacks as a risk factor among various others for
developing mechanical low back pain among school going children.
An electronic search of databases from 2000 to 2013 was carried out. The
selected articles reported LBP due to mechanical loads in children and
adolescents aged 9-18 years as main outcome. Our analysis was conducted on
prevalence rates and associated risk factors.
The results of the review revealed mostly the outcome measure based upon
prevalence, risk factors of mechanical LBP and the association with backpack.
Adolescent girls and children reported higher prevalence. The review reported
the use of heavy backpack as dominant risk factor followed by psychological
factors and physical inactivity. Only 1 study outlined incorrect posture and
structural anomalies as the resulting cause.
A positive correlation is found between heavy backpack and childhood LBP.
The review exhibits a higher prevalence with increasing age.