Abstract

Effect of Backpack Weight on Cervical Angle in School Going Children

Author(s): Shikha Kulshrestha and D Rajesh

Background: Backpack weight might leads to several musculoskeletal disorders there by it affects normal posture as well, to those carrying it, especially school children’s and porters, etc. Objective: To find out the effect of backpack weight on cervical angle in school going children.

Design: Cross sectional study. Participants: 200 normal healthy individuals between 9 to 14 years of males and females, not using vehicles were included in the study from Bhagwan Mahaveer Public School, Ajmer, and Rajasthan.

Measurements: The height in centimetres and weight in kilograms was measured using stadiometer and weighing machine respectively. The difference in weight of individual with the backpack and without the backpack weight was calculated and considered as their backpack weight. Cervical angle was also measured using inclinometer, by fixing it exactly above the ear, by making its needle to direct the centre point of the external ear. The calibrated inclinometer was held at zero in order to avoid head flexion/extension during these movements.

Results: The demographic data of all the subjects who participated in the study, the mean Age, Height and Weight were 11.93 years, 139.67 cm and 36.53 kg, respectively. And the cervical angle measured without bag was 3.1 ± 0.62 and that taken with bag was 5.6 ± 1.17. And the study shows significant difference between without and with bag students p 0.000 (p<0.05).

Conclusion: From the results of this study it can be concluded that there was a change in the cervical angle on carrying a backpack in school going children.