This study aimed to determine the relationship between the weight of a child’s backpack, their body weight, and features of their posture, such as their spinal curvature.

Results demonstrated that a child wearing a backpack heavier than 10% of their body weight can cause a flattening of their lumbar curve and can unnecessarily increase their mechanical load.

In order to reduce the daily burden on a child’s spine, it is recommended that the weight of their backpack is monitored and reduced. Some ways to do this include leaving books at school in the classroom or a locker.

Reference

Walicka-Cuprys, K., et al. (2015). Influence of the weight of a school backpack on spinal curvature in the sagittal plan of seven year old children. BioMed Research International. 2015.