Some backpacks are safer than others, and people who hold occupational therapy jobs have offered their views on what parents should look for considering the large loads of books their children may be lugging, according to a published report.
The wrong backpack might cause long-term back problems for children, The Legal Examiner reports. Lower back pain is particularly of note to the American Occupational Therapy Association, and the malady has the potential to persist through adulthood.
One key criteria is backpacks that evenly disperse weight across the child's body. Additional suggestions include selecting a backpack that is equipped with wide, padded and contoured shoulder straps that have anchors resting about two inches beneath the top of the child’s shoulders.
Backpacks that have abdominal straps can help distribute weight and the bottom of the backpack should sit no more than four inches lower than the student's waistline. The bottom also should fit the spine's curvature.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists use everyday activities to help people with injuries and disabilities.