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School bag selection: Experts advise on protecting student spinal health
As the new school year approaches, health experts are providing guidance on selecting appropriate school bags to protect students' musculoskeletal health.
Doç. Dr. Hikmet Uçgun, Head of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Atlas University, emphasizes that bags should be lightweight, sized according to the child's height and weight, and carried using both shoulder straps. While improper bag use can lead to fatigue and pain in the neck, shoulders, and back, Uçgun notes that there is no definitive scientific evidence that heavy bags alone cause permanent spinal deformities. Instead, factors such as carrying duration, posture, and daily activity levels should be considered.
Physiotherapist Tanju Şahin advises that a bag's weight should ideally be between 10% and 15% of the child's total body weight. He warns that incorrect bag selection can contribute to posture issues such as scoliosis and kyphosis. To mitigate risks, experts recommend using bags with padded straps and chest or waist belts to ensure a more balanced load distribution.
Entities
Atlas University · Düzce Atatürk State Hospital · Hikmet Uçgun · Tanju Şahin
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Bags with two shoulder straps should be preferred over single-strap bags. www.istanbulgazetesi.com.tr · www.medyagazete.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The weight of the bag should be approximately 10% to 15% of the child's body weight. www.oncurtv.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] School bags should be lightweight, fit the child's body measurements, and be carried on both shoulders. www.istanbulgazetesi.com.tr · www.medyagazete.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr
- [DISPUTED] It is not scientifically proven that heavy school bags inevitably cause permanent spinal deformities. www.istanbulgazetesi.com.tr · www.medyagazete.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr
- [DISPUTED] Incorrect bag selection and use can lead to posture disorders such as scoliosis and kyphosis. www.oncurtv.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Improperly sized or heavy bags can cause fatigue, sensitivity, and pain in the shoulder, neck, and back regions. www.istanbulgazetesi.com.tr · www.medyagazete.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr