The Relationship between Schoolbag Carriage with Musculoskeletal Pain and Posture in Iranian Students: A Systematic Review Study

Rahman Sheikhhoseini; Parisa Sayyadi; Hashem Piri

doi:10.18502/jost.v7i4.8857

Rahman Sheikhhoseini Associate Professor, Department of Corrective Exercise and Sport Injury, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
Parisa Sayyadi PhD Candidate, Department of Health and Sports Medicine, School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Hashem Piri Associate Professor, Department of Corrective Exercise and Sport Injury, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jost.v7i4.8857

Keywords: Schools; Musculoskeletal Pain; Posture; Students

Abstract

Background: Students in different levels use schoolbags to carry books and other educational tools. Various studies showed that schoolbag affects musculoskeletal system and posture in children and adolescents. This systematic review study aimed to examine the relationship between schoolbag characteristics with musculoskeletal pain syndromes and posture in Iranian students.

Methods: The search strategy was run in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), Magiran, and SID databases. The Persian or Englishwritten original papers that were published in peer-reviewed journals were selected without any time limit. The eligible studies were classified based on pain location and postural alignment.

Results: A total number of 2426 records were found in the databases. Thirteen studies were eligible for this study. The results showed that musculoskeletal disorders and postural abnormalities had a relatively high prevalence among Iranian students, and their prevalence was significantly higher in girls. Generally, it seems that carrying a schoolbag, carrying time, type of bag, and weight have a significant effect on the low back, wrist, shoulder, upper back, and neck pain. However, the carrying time and relative weight of the bag have a significant effect on thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and forward head posture.

Conclusion: The factors such as weight of bag or backpack, carrying time, unilateral bag carrying, female gender, location of the schoolbag, and walking to school with a bag can affect musculoskeletal pain and posture in Iranian students.