POSTURAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF BACKPACKS IN SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Studies show a high prevalence of postural abnormalities of the spine in children and adolescents because the use of backpacks. There is debate about what the ideal weight that should have the backpack, and opinions vary from 10 to 15% of body weight. It is important to identify the postures in children and adolescents to prevent possible changes that cause musculoskeletal disorders. Objetive: To evaluate postural changes consequent of use os bagpacks. Methods: Cross sectional study with 78 subjects are 7 to 14 years old. Photographs were taken with and without backpack, which then were evaluated by the Software postural assessment (SAPO). Numerical variables were analyzed by paired Student t test and qualitative variables by chi-square. Results: The most frequent type of backpack was the wheels, the average weight of the backpack was 11% of the average body weight of children and 60.3% of these carry a book or two. Significant changes were: frontal angle of the right leg, anterior translation of the head, backwards of the head, trunk  extension, posterior tilt of the body and anteversion of the pelvis. Conclusion: The weight of the backpack alters the child's posture from 11% of body weight, indicating that the lowest weight should be use at this stage of body development.