In the rush to buy back-to-school supplies for their children, parents may unknowingly purchase backpacks that do more harm than good, warns a University of Florida occupational therapist.

In a study of American students, published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics, researchers found that six out of 10 students ages 9 to 20 reported chronic back pain related to heavy backpacks.

Overloaded and improperly worn backpacks can result in chronic back pain, poor posture and numbness in the hands and arms, said Joanne Jackson Foss, director of professional programs in occupational therapy and assistant dean of academic affairs at the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions.

Parents should choose backpacks that are in proportion to their child’s size and that have padded straps, Foss said. Backpacks with wheels are ideal, but not always practical in schools with narrow hallways -  ask officials at your child’s school for their recommendation.

Regularly monitoring the weight of your child’s loaded backpack is crucial. Children should never carry a load that is more than 15 percent of their body weight.

“Also, when fitting your child with a backpack, make sure you teach your child to wear both shoulder straps,” Foss said. “This helps to more evenly distribute the weight of the pack.”

Finally, the bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back, not more than four inches below the child’s waistline.

University of Florida