Schoolbag Weight and Musculoskeletal Symptoms
in New Zealand Secondary Schools

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:    Frankp@chiro.org

FROM:   Applied Ergonomics 2005 (Mar); 36 (2): 193–198

Whittfield J, Legg SJ, Hedderley DI

Centre for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health,
Department of Human Resource Management,
College of Business, Massey University,
Private Bag 1122, Palmerston North, New Zeland

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The weight of schoolbags and the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms amongst 140 students (70 third form students comprising 35 females and 35 males, and 70 sixth form students comprising 35 females and 35 males) from five New Zealand secondary schools was investigated. Schoolbag weight for third form students (mean age 13.6 years) was 13.2% of their body weight, while for sixth form students (mean age 17.1 years) it was 10.3% of their body weight. These weights may exceed the recommended guideline load limits for adult industrial workers. Musculoskeletal symptoms were reported by 77.1% of the students. Symptoms were most prevalent in the neck, shoulders, upper back and lower back. Although musculoskeletal symptoms are believed to be multifactorial in origin, the carriage of heavy schoolbags is a suspected contributory factor and may represent an overlooked daily physical stress for New Zealand secondary school students.

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