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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas—The Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) Therapy Service and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) have teamed up to raise awareness about the potential strain backpacks can cause students.
The following are tips to prevent backpack strain:
- A child’s backpack should weigh no more than 15 percent of his/her body weight.
- The pack should fit snugly on the child’s back. (Loose straps may pull the child backwards and strain muscles.)
- Choose the right size: The pack should rest in the curve of the lower back. (Don’t let it hang more than four inches below the waist.)
- Load the heaviest items closet to the child’s back. (back of pack)
- Use both straps to distribute the weight. Use waist strap if present to prevent shifting of the load. (Other methods cause the child to lean and create muscle and joint strain.)
“To prevent carrying large numbers of books during the school day, parents should make sure there are several opportunities for students to go to their lockers between classes during the day to change out books,” said Jean Polichino, director of HCDE Therapy Services.
The backpack awareness campaign is important because the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 23,000 people ended up in emergency rooms in 2007 with injuries from backpacks and book bags. Experts estimate that about 55 percent of children will carry too much weight this school year. Research shows children carrying overloaded and improperly worn packs are likely to experience neck, shoulder and back pain; adverse effects on posture and the developing spine; and compromised breathing and fatigue.
HCDE’s therapy specialists work with children and families in schools, homes and daycare centers throughout greater Harris County. Specialists include physical and occupational therapists and assistants, speech-language pathologists, music therapists and art therapists.
For questions about backpack safety or HCDE Therapy Services, contact Polichino at (713) 696-8232.
HDCE Aug. 31, 2010 press release
