School injuries are typically associated with school sports, but off the field, backpacks can contribute to injuries among students. You may not think of a backpack as dangerous, but from 2019 to 2021, an estimated average of 1,200 emergency room injuries in children under the age of 19 were attributed to backpacks.
Athletic trainers are in a position to help with these issues, despite them happening outside of the sport activities. Keep students at their top performance and discover helpful tips for backpack safety and the benefits of conducting backpack screenings in this article.
Why Backpack Safety Matters to ATs
Improper backpack use can contribute to neck, shoulder, and back pain as well as poor posture. If these issues are not addressed, they may lead to long-term musculoskeletal problems in developing students. Identifying and correcting these habits early supports student health and academic success.
Tips to Share
As an athletic trainer, you are trusted for your expertise in safe movement, injury prevention, and return-to-play protocol in your school community. As such, you can position yourself as a resource for physical health and look out for the interests of your students' physical health.
Use the following tips to educate students, parents, or staff on backpack safety during screenings, in newsletters, or through school wellness initiatives.
- Wear It Correctly: Ensure the straps are properly placed on shoulders according to the backpack design.
- Choose Smart: It’s important to choose the right size pack for the age and size of the student, and to make sure the pack is appropriate for the load it will be required to carry.
- Pack Light: Avoid unnecessary weight in the backpack by assessing and removing books and materials not needed for that day’s lessons.
- Distribute the Weight: Pack the heaviest items closest to your back, and lighter items further out. Use all compartments to balance the load.
- Inspect Regularly: Worn or broken straps can contribute to inconsistent weight distribution.
Download and share these tips with your staff and students with the tip sheet below!
How to Conduct Backpack Screenings
Backpack screenings are a simple yet effective way to promote proper backpack use and prevent posture-related injuries, especially at the start of the school year. To conduct screening, an athletic trainer, a school nurse, and/or administrator might check for the following suggested criteria:
- Is the backpack appropriately sized for the student’s height and build?
- Is the student carrying more than they need for the day?
- Is the backpack evenly packed, with heavier items close to the spine?
- Are both shoulder straps used and adjusted correctly?
- Is the backpack negatively impacting the student’s posture or gait?
These screenings can be integrated into:
- Back-to-school nights or open houses
- Classroom visits early in the year
- Wellness initiatives or physical screenings
- Ongoing injury-prevention outreach, with an open-door policy
Consider sending communication home to parents to raise awareness about backpack safety and encourage optional screenings with a school healthcare provider, such as the AT or school nurse.
When to Refer for Clinical Care
If you notice students with recurring pain that worsens while wearing a backpack, consider referring them to a physical or occupational therapist. Especially if the symptoms worsen over time.
Physical and occupational therapists can assess fit and load, address postural imbalances, treat pain, and develop a strength program tailored to the student’s needs, complementing your care as an athletic trainer.
Recap
Backpacks are a daily necessity but when used improperly, they can become a source of injury. By promoting backpack safety and offering simple screenings, athletic trainers can play a key role in preventing pain and supporting student health throughout the school year.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
References
- American Physical Therapy Association. “3 Tips for Backpack Safety.” ChoosePT, https://www.choosept.com/health-tips/3-tips-backpack-safety.
- American Occupational Therapy Association. “International Backpack Awareness Day Focuses on Proper Usage.” AOTA, https://www.aota.org/about/for-the-media/international-backpack-awareness-day-focuses-on-proper-usage.
- Ivy Rehab. “Backpack Safety: What Parents Need to Know.” Ivy Rehab, https://ivyrehab.com/health-resources/health-wellness/backpack-safety-what-parents-need-to-know/.
- Private Practice Section, APTA. “Head Back to School with a Healthy Back.” PPS APTA Blog, https://ppsapta.org/blog/marketing/head-back-school-healthy-back.
