Backpacks - Both Helpful And Harmful For Your Child?
Most children and teenagers use backpacks to carry the necessities of the school day.
Mary Ann Wilmarth, the assistant dean and director of the transitional doctors of physical therapy degree at Northeastern University in Boston said in a statement that backpacks that are overloaded and/or are worn the wrong way can cause problems for children and teenagers like injury to the muscles and joints leading to severe back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as posture problems.
Backpacks are designed to distribute the weight of the load between some of the body’s strongest muscles like back and the abdominal muscles. To choose the right backpack, here are some guidelines:
Ensure that your child uses both the straps to distribute the weight of backpack. This promotes well-aligned symmetrical posture. Carrying the weight with just one strap means that one side of body has to bear most of the weight.
Avoid excessive twisting and keep the trunk of the body stable especially while putting on and removing backpacks.
Backpacks should be positioned in an uniform manner towards the middle of the back, not extending below the lower back. A waist strap helps in distributing the weight of heavy load evenly.
Shoulder straps should be adjusted to allow your child to put it on and remove the backpack easily. Straps should not be too loose or tight. Your child should be able to move his/her arms freely.
The load in the backpack should be 10-15% less than your child’s weight. Put in only necessary items for the day. Heavy books or items should be positioned closest to the back.
Encourage your child to be active, teach them back strengthening exercises to promote better muscle strength, flexibility that makes carrying a backpack an easy job.
If you have to bend to pick up something from the floor with your backpack on, bend using both the knees.
