Research
UCAM publishes a protocol for the good use of school bags
The Chair of Sports Traumatology, directed by Doctors Pedro Guillén and José Luis Martínez Romero, has issued a report prepared by the Children’s Orthopaedics and Traumatology Group, coordinated by Doctor Juan José López, which includes eleven recommendations to avoid back problems
The protocol emphasizes the importance of using the school bag well to avoid back problems
The main cause of sick leave and the most common pain is low back pain; 40% of the world’s population suffers or has frequently suffered from back pain, whether at the cervical, dorsal or lumbar level. In order to avoid ailments from an early age and to educate in healthy habits, the Children’s Orthopaedics and Traumatology Group of the UCAM Chair of Sports Traumatology has carried out a study on the appropriate use of school bags.
The protocol is based on the fact that “it is preferable from a medical point of view to use backpacks rather than trolleys, as the latter cause an asymmetric load as they are pulled by only one arm”. Following this recommendation, eleven recommendations are set out in detail:
- The backpack should not carry a load greater than 10% of the body weight.
- The straps should be wide and padded and should be kept at the same length on both sides. Similarly, the part of the backpack that fits on the back should be padded.
- It is advisable to use a front support strap at chest level, to give greater stability.
- The backpack should always be about 5 cm above the buttocks, and should never be long or tapping at every step in the buttock area, as this encourages lumbar hyperlordosis and dorsal kyphosis; it is not advisable for the development of the spine.
- The backpack should never be carried on only one shoulder.
- The use of backpacks with narrow straps or satchels is not recommended.
- The distribution of the weight in the backpack is important. The heaviest items (books), should be in the lowest area of the backpack and as close to the back as possible, and lighter items can be placed higher.
- It is advisable that the schoolchild always carries the backpack, not his/her parents, grandparents or carers. It is the responsibility of the schoolchild.
- Where possible, schools are advised to promote the use of lockers to reduce the weight carried.
- Sport should be encouraged at all ages. Playing sports regularly strengthens the body in general and prepares it for greater loads with less risk of injury.
- If the schoolchild suffers any discomfort or pain for a longer period than usual, he or she should be assessed by a specialist in children’s traumatology and orthopaedics.