A STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF SHOULDER ELEVATION DUE TO CARRYING HEAVY BACKPACKS AMONG STUDENTS
Main Article Content
Keywords
Shoulder elevation, heavy backpacks, musculoskeletal health, prevalence, students, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Shoulder Elevation Test, educational settings.
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of shoulder elevation among students due to carrying heavy backpacks is a growing concern in educational settings. Prolonged and improper carrying of backpacks can lead to musculoskeletal issues, affecting students' well-being and academic performance. Understanding the prevalence and associated factors is crucial for developing effective interventions and promoting musculoskeletal health among students.
Materials & Methods: This study conducted a cross-sectional survey among a sample of students in a specific educational institution. A total of 250 students (comprising both male and female participants) were included in the study. Data on the duration of carrying backpacks, weight of backpacks, and shoulder elevation were collected through self-reported questionnaires. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain intensity related to carrying backpacks. The Shoulder Elevation Test was performed to measure the angle of shoulder elevation. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests were employed for data analysis.
Results: The results revealed a notable prevalence of shoulder elevation among both male and female students. Surprisingly, no statistically significant correlation was found between the duration of carrying a backpack and the prevalence of shoulder elevation, indicating potential influences of other variables. Similarly, there was no significant correlation between the weight of the backpack and the prevalence of shoulder elevation. Additionally, no significant correlation was observed between the VAS pain score and shoulder elevation, suggesting that pain intensity may not be directly associated with shoulder elevation.
Conclusion: The study highlights the significance of addressing shoulder elevation concerns among students carrying heavy backpacks. While the prevalence of shoulder elevation is notable, the lack of significant correlations between duration of carrying, bag weight, pain intensity, and shoulder elevation suggest the need for further investigation into additional risk factors. Educational institutions should prioritize musculoskeletal health by promoting proper backpack usage and raising awareness among students, parents, and teachers. Further research in this area is crucial to develop effective intervention strategies and ensure a healthier learning environment for students.
Materials & Methods: This study conducted a cross-sectional survey among a sample of students in a specific educational institution. A total of 250 students (comprising both male and female participants) were included in the study. Data on the duration of carrying backpacks, weight of backpacks, and shoulder elevation were collected through self-reported questionnaires. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain intensity related to carrying backpacks. The Shoulder Elevation Test was performed to measure the angle of shoulder elevation. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests were employed for data analysis.
Results: The results revealed a notable prevalence of shoulder elevation among both male and female students. Surprisingly, no statistically significant correlation was found between the duration of carrying a backpack and the prevalence of shoulder elevation, indicating potential influences of other variables. Similarly, there was no significant correlation between the weight of the backpack and the prevalence of shoulder elevation. Additionally, no significant correlation was observed between the VAS pain score and shoulder elevation, suggesting that pain intensity may not be directly associated with shoulder elevation.
Conclusion: The study highlights the significance of addressing shoulder elevation concerns among students carrying heavy backpacks. While the prevalence of shoulder elevation is notable, the lack of significant correlations between duration of carrying, bag weight, pain intensity, and shoulder elevation suggest the need for further investigation into additional risk factors. Educational institutions should prioritize musculoskeletal health by promoting proper backpack usage and raising awareness among students, parents, and teachers. Further research in this area is crucial to develop effective intervention strategies and ensure a healthier learning environment for students.
References
1. Matlabi H. Carrying Heavy Backpacks and Handbags Amongst Elementary Students: Causes and Solutions. Science Journal of Public Health. 2014;2(4):305.
2. Alaa S, Baiee HA. Impact of School Bag on Pulmonary Functions among Elementary School Children in Al-Hilla City-Iraq. Medical Journal of Babylon مجلة بابل الطبية. 2015;12(4):1101–8.
3. Ibrahim AH. Incidence of back pain in Egyptian school girls: Effect of school bag weight and carrying way [i-[1]. Vol. 17, World Applied Sciences Journal. 2012. p. 1526–34.
4. Kibler WB. The role of the scapula in athletic shoulder function. Am J Sports Med. 1998;26.
5. Kibler WB, McMullen J. Scapular dyskinesis and its relation to shoulder pain. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2003;11.
6. Pluim BM, Cingel RE, Kibler WB. Shoulder to shoulder: stabilising instability, re-establishing rhythm, and rescuing the rotators! Br J Sports Med [Internet]. 2010;44. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2010.072595
7. Buckup K. Clinical tests for the musculosceletal system. Examinations – signs – phenomena. Stuttgart/New York: Thieme; 2004.
8. Lefort G, Pfliger F, Mal-Lawane M, Belouadah M, Daoud S. Capsular shift for voluntary dislocation of the shoulder: results in children. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot [Internet]. 2004;90. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0035-1040(04)70720-5
9. Hovelius L, Lind B, Thorling J. Primary dislocation of the shoulder. Factors affecting the two-year prognosis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1983;176.
10. Gagey O, Bonfait H, Gillot C, Mazas F. The mechanics of shoulder elevation. Role of the coracohumeral ligament. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot. 1985;71.
11. Emery RJ, Ho EK, Leong JC. The shoulder girdle in ankylosing spondylitis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1991;73.
12. Bahk M, Keyurapan E, Tasaki A, Sauers EL, McFarland EG. Laxity testing of the shoulder: a review. Am J Sports Med [Internet]. 2007;35. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546506294570
13. Smith R, Damodaran AK, Swaminathan S, Campbell R, Barnsley L. Hypermobility and sports injuries in junior netball players. Br J Sports Med [Internet]. 2005;39. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2004.015271
14. Child AH. Joint hypermobility syndrome: inherited disorder of collagen synthesis. J Rheumatol. 1986;13.
15. Bajin M, Kojić M, Romanov R, Ahmetović Z. Neglected problem: Influence of school bag on lumbar segment in children. Front Pediatr. 2022 Nov 15;10.
16. Jain P, Khanam SP, Author C, Professor A. Efficacy OF HEAVY BAGS WITH 15% OF BODY WEIGHT IN TEENAGERS ON CERVICAL AND SHOULDER POSTURE ALIGNMENT. International Journal of Medical and Exercise Science [Internet]. 2021;7(3):1049–60. Available from: www.ijmaes.org
17. Chen YL, Nguyen HT, Chen Y. Influence of school bag loads and carrying methods on body strain among young male students. Int J Ind Ergon. 2021 Mar 1;82.
18. Mohamed HS. Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Kasr-Alainy Hospital Medical Students [Internet]. Vol. 85, The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine. 2021. Available from: https://ejhm.journals.ekb.eg/
19. Alias AN, Karuppiah K, How V, Perumal V. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS) among primary school female teachers in Terengganu, Malaysia. Int J Ind Ergon. 2020 May 1;77.
20. Fałatowicz M, Jankowicz-Szymańska A, Kaczor A. The effect of carrying a light shoulder bag and cross bag on trunk positioning in young adults. Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences. 2020 Jun 30;30(90):55–62.
21. Barbosa JP, Marques MC, Neiva HP, Esteves D, Alonso-Martínez AM, Izquierdo M, et al. Effects of backpacks on ground reaction forces in children of different ages when walking, running, and jumping. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 2;16(24).
22. Vaghela N, Parekh S, Padsala D, Patel D. Effect of backpack loading on cervical and sagittal shoulder posture in standing and after dynamic activity in school going children. J Family Med Prim Care. 2019;8(3):1076.
23. Mandrekar S, Chavhan D, Shyam AK, Sancheti PK. Effects of carrying school bags on cervical and shoulder posture in static and dynamic conditions in adolescent students. Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2022 Feb 1;34(1).
24. Perrone M, Orr R, Hing W, Milne N, Pope R. The impact of backpack loads on school children: A critical narrative review. Vol. 15, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. MDPI AG; 2018.
25. Mououdi MA, Akbari J, Mousavinasab SN. Ergonomic design of school backpack by using anthropometric measurements for primary school students (6–12 years). Int J Ind Ergon. 2018 Sep 1;67:98–103.
26. Ahmad HN, Barbosa TM. The effects of backpack carriage on gait kinematics and kinetics of schoolchildren. Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 1;9(1).
27. Ribeiro EB, Santos LS, Carvalho JM, Oliveira JA, Antônio S, Montenegro RC. Comparison of water composition, fat mass, muscle mass and bone mineral content between elderly women practicing resistance training and aerobic gymnastics. Motricidade. 2018 Oct 12;14:40–5.
28. Raeisi F, Arab AM, Adib Hesami M. The Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Its Relation With Backpack Weight Among Iranian Students. Physical Treatments: Specific Physical Therapy Journal. 2018 Jan 30;193–6.
29. Ismaila SO. Safe backpack weight limit for secondary school students in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. Alexandria Engineering Journal. 2018 Jun 1;57(2):547–54.
30. Gupta I, Kalra P, Iqbal R. Physiological effects of backpack packing, wearing and carrying on school going children. In: Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies. Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH; 2017. p. 813–22.
31. Amyra Natasha A, Ahmad Syukri A, Siti Nor Diana MK, Ima-Nirwana S, Chin KY. The association between backpack use and low back pain among pre-university students: A pilot study. J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2018 Apr 1;13(2):205–9.
32. H M, A D, SA K. To Determine the Efficacy of Addition of Horizontal Waist Strap to the Traditional Double Shoulder Strap School Backpack Loading on Cervical and Shoulder Posture in Indian School going Children. Int J Phys Med Rehabil. 2017;05(06).
33. sen siddhartha, Singh A. Influence of carrying back pack and side pack load on development of musculoskeletal disorders in collegiate students. International Journal of Therapies and Rehabilitation Research. 2017;6(1):110.
34. Zakeri Y, Baraz S, Gheibizadeh M, Saidkhani V. Serial No.30 [Internet]. Vol. 4, Original Article. 2016. Available from: http://ijp.mums.ac.ir
35. Minghelli B, Oliveira R, Nunes C. Postural habits and weight of backpacks of Portuguese adolescents: Are they associated with scoliosis and low back pain? Work. 2016 May 31;54(1):197–208.
36. Pau M, Mandaresu S, Leban B, Nussbaum MA. Short-term effects of backpack carriage on plantar pressure and gait in schoolchildren. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2015 Apr 1;25(2):406–12.
37. Drzał-Grabiec J, Snela S, Rachwał M, Podgórska J, Rykała J. Effects of carrying a backpack in an asymmetrical manner on the asymmetries of the trunk and parameters defining lateral flexion of the spine. Hum Factors. 2015 Mar 16;57(2):218–26.
38. Lee S, Shim J. The effects of backpack loads and spinal stabilization exercises on the dynamic foot pressure of elementary school children with idiopathic scoliosis.
2. Alaa S, Baiee HA. Impact of School Bag on Pulmonary Functions among Elementary School Children in Al-Hilla City-Iraq. Medical Journal of Babylon مجلة بابل الطبية. 2015;12(4):1101–8.
3. Ibrahim AH. Incidence of back pain in Egyptian school girls: Effect of school bag weight and carrying way [i-[1]. Vol. 17, World Applied Sciences Journal. 2012. p. 1526–34.
4. Kibler WB. The role of the scapula in athletic shoulder function. Am J Sports Med. 1998;26.
5. Kibler WB, McMullen J. Scapular dyskinesis and its relation to shoulder pain. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2003;11.
6. Pluim BM, Cingel RE, Kibler WB. Shoulder to shoulder: stabilising instability, re-establishing rhythm, and rescuing the rotators! Br J Sports Med [Internet]. 2010;44. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2010.072595
7. Buckup K. Clinical tests for the musculosceletal system. Examinations – signs – phenomena. Stuttgart/New York: Thieme; 2004.
8. Lefort G, Pfliger F, Mal-Lawane M, Belouadah M, Daoud S. Capsular shift for voluntary dislocation of the shoulder: results in children. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot [Internet]. 2004;90. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0035-1040(04)70720-5
9. Hovelius L, Lind B, Thorling J. Primary dislocation of the shoulder. Factors affecting the two-year prognosis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1983;176.
10. Gagey O, Bonfait H, Gillot C, Mazas F. The mechanics of shoulder elevation. Role of the coracohumeral ligament. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot. 1985;71.
11. Emery RJ, Ho EK, Leong JC. The shoulder girdle in ankylosing spondylitis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1991;73.
12. Bahk M, Keyurapan E, Tasaki A, Sauers EL, McFarland EG. Laxity testing of the shoulder: a review. Am J Sports Med [Internet]. 2007;35. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546506294570
13. Smith R, Damodaran AK, Swaminathan S, Campbell R, Barnsley L. Hypermobility and sports injuries in junior netball players. Br J Sports Med [Internet]. 2005;39. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2004.015271
14. Child AH. Joint hypermobility syndrome: inherited disorder of collagen synthesis. J Rheumatol. 1986;13.
15. Bajin M, Kojić M, Romanov R, Ahmetović Z. Neglected problem: Influence of school bag on lumbar segment in children. Front Pediatr. 2022 Nov 15;10.
16. Jain P, Khanam SP, Author C, Professor A. Efficacy OF HEAVY BAGS WITH 15% OF BODY WEIGHT IN TEENAGERS ON CERVICAL AND SHOULDER POSTURE ALIGNMENT. International Journal of Medical and Exercise Science [Internet]. 2021;7(3):1049–60. Available from: www.ijmaes.org
17. Chen YL, Nguyen HT, Chen Y. Influence of school bag loads and carrying methods on body strain among young male students. Int J Ind Ergon. 2021 Mar 1;82.
18. Mohamed HS. Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Kasr-Alainy Hospital Medical Students [Internet]. Vol. 85, The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine. 2021. Available from: https://ejhm.journals.ekb.eg/
19. Alias AN, Karuppiah K, How V, Perumal V. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS) among primary school female teachers in Terengganu, Malaysia. Int J Ind Ergon. 2020 May 1;77.
20. Fałatowicz M, Jankowicz-Szymańska A, Kaczor A. The effect of carrying a light shoulder bag and cross bag on trunk positioning in young adults. Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences. 2020 Jun 30;30(90):55–62.
21. Barbosa JP, Marques MC, Neiva HP, Esteves D, Alonso-Martínez AM, Izquierdo M, et al. Effects of backpacks on ground reaction forces in children of different ages when walking, running, and jumping. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 2;16(24).
22. Vaghela N, Parekh S, Padsala D, Patel D. Effect of backpack loading on cervical and sagittal shoulder posture in standing and after dynamic activity in school going children. J Family Med Prim Care. 2019;8(3):1076.
23. Mandrekar S, Chavhan D, Shyam AK, Sancheti PK. Effects of carrying school bags on cervical and shoulder posture in static and dynamic conditions in adolescent students. Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2022 Feb 1;34(1).
24. Perrone M, Orr R, Hing W, Milne N, Pope R. The impact of backpack loads on school children: A critical narrative review. Vol. 15, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. MDPI AG; 2018.
25. Mououdi MA, Akbari J, Mousavinasab SN. Ergonomic design of school backpack by using anthropometric measurements for primary school students (6–12 years). Int J Ind Ergon. 2018 Sep 1;67:98–103.
26. Ahmad HN, Barbosa TM. The effects of backpack carriage on gait kinematics and kinetics of schoolchildren. Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 1;9(1).
27. Ribeiro EB, Santos LS, Carvalho JM, Oliveira JA, Antônio S, Montenegro RC. Comparison of water composition, fat mass, muscle mass and bone mineral content between elderly women practicing resistance training and aerobic gymnastics. Motricidade. 2018 Oct 12;14:40–5.
28. Raeisi F, Arab AM, Adib Hesami M. The Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Its Relation With Backpack Weight Among Iranian Students. Physical Treatments: Specific Physical Therapy Journal. 2018 Jan 30;193–6.
29. Ismaila SO. Safe backpack weight limit for secondary school students in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. Alexandria Engineering Journal. 2018 Jun 1;57(2):547–54.
30. Gupta I, Kalra P, Iqbal R. Physiological effects of backpack packing, wearing and carrying on school going children. In: Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies. Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH; 2017. p. 813–22.
31. Amyra Natasha A, Ahmad Syukri A, Siti Nor Diana MK, Ima-Nirwana S, Chin KY. The association between backpack use and low back pain among pre-university students: A pilot study. J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2018 Apr 1;13(2):205–9.
32. H M, A D, SA K. To Determine the Efficacy of Addition of Horizontal Waist Strap to the Traditional Double Shoulder Strap School Backpack Loading on Cervical and Shoulder Posture in Indian School going Children. Int J Phys Med Rehabil. 2017;05(06).
33. sen siddhartha, Singh A. Influence of carrying back pack and side pack load on development of musculoskeletal disorders in collegiate students. International Journal of Therapies and Rehabilitation Research. 2017;6(1):110.
34. Zakeri Y, Baraz S, Gheibizadeh M, Saidkhani V. Serial No.30 [Internet]. Vol. 4, Original Article. 2016. Available from: http://ijp.mums.ac.ir
35. Minghelli B, Oliveira R, Nunes C. Postural habits and weight of backpacks of Portuguese adolescents: Are they associated with scoliosis and low back pain? Work. 2016 May 31;54(1):197–208.
36. Pau M, Mandaresu S, Leban B, Nussbaum MA. Short-term effects of backpack carriage on plantar pressure and gait in schoolchildren. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2015 Apr 1;25(2):406–12.
37. Drzał-Grabiec J, Snela S, Rachwał M, Podgórska J, Rykała J. Effects of carrying a backpack in an asymmetrical manner on the asymmetries of the trunk and parameters defining lateral flexion of the spine. Hum Factors. 2015 Mar 16;57(2):218–26.
38. Lee S, Shim J. The effects of backpack loads and spinal stabilization exercises on the dynamic foot pressure of elementary school children with idiopathic scoliosis.
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Published
Dec 20, 2024
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How to Cite
Deepshikha, & Monika Sharma. (2024). A STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF SHOULDER ELEVATION DUE TO CARRYING HEAVY BACKPACKS AMONG STUDENTS. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 31(11), 1551-1560. https://doi.org/10.53555/8dz38a11
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Author Biographies
Deepshikha
BPT Final year student, Galgotias University
Monika Sharma
Associated professor in Physiotherapy, Galgotias university
How to Cite
Deepshikha, & Monika Sharma. (2024). A STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF SHOULDER ELEVATION DUE TO CARRYING HEAVY BACKPACKS AMONG STUDENTS. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 31(11), 1551-1560. https://doi.org/10.53555/8dz38a11