ORTHOPEDIC AREA 

Medicina dello Sport 2011 December;64(4):473-83

Copyright © 2012 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

Analysis of a risk factor in school age: temporary variation in the cervical spine determined by the weight of a backpack

D’ottavio S. ¹, Esposito M. ¹, Pantanella L. ¹, Padua E. ¹, Annino G. ¹, Manzi V. ¹, Tonelli C. ¹, Candeloro C. ², Foti C. ²

¹ Corso di Laurea in Scienze Motorie, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italia 2 Cattedra e Scuola di Specializzazione in Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italia

Aim. The present study, carried out on a sample of 25 subjects (male and female) aged 9-10, analyses the data from an investigation on the correlation between the weight of a school backpack and temporary modifications to the cervical spine in subjects of development age.
Methods. The following data were collected: weight and height; baropodometric evaluation under static natural load and carrying a backpack weighing 4 kg, 6.5 kg and 9.0 kg; body analysis kapture (BAK) investigation with a postural analyser.
Results. The most significant aspect to emerge from data processing is the temporary increase in the cervical spine curve in all subjects in relation to increased schoolbag weight. The backpack load involved a temporary change in posture in all subjects in the sample.
Conclusion. This factor highlights the importance of motor and sporting activity in development age and special, constant attention should be dedicated to performance of exercises of a postural, mobilisation and trophism nature.