Avaliação do peso e modo de transporte da mochila e sua relação com dor lombar em adolescentes inscritos no “programa saúde na escola” da rede municipal de ensino de Coari – Am

Abstract

Backpacks are the most commonly used form of carrying school materials. However, when the load exceeds the muscular groups' capacity to sustain it, there is an overload on the spinal column, which can result in lower back pain (LBP). Objectives. This study aims to identify the mode of transportation and weight of school backpacks and their relationship with the presence of LBP in adolescents aged 12 to 18 enrolled in the "school health program" of the municipal education network in Coari - AM. Methodology. This is an observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study, consisting of a sample of 100 students aged between 12 and 18 years (62 girls and 38 boys), who are regularly enrolled in municipal schools in the municipality of Coari - AM. Results. The most commonly used type was a backpack with dual straps on the lower back (62%), approximately 27% carried the backpack with dual straps on the back, and 11% carried it on one shoulder only. The average weight of the carried backpacks was ±3.45 kg. Conclusion. The results suggest that students' LBP is not directly linked to the weight of the backpack, as the volunteers carried less than 10% of their body weight. Instead, it is related to the mode of transportation of the backpack.