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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
The associations between adolescent head-on-neck posture, backpack weight, and anthropometric features
K A Grimmer1, M T Williams, T K Gill
1University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia. karen.grimmer@unisa.edu.au
Spine
|November 24, 1999
Summary
Carrying school backpacks significantly alters adolescent posture, especially in younger students. While the craniovertebral angle changes, it may not be the most sensitive indicator of postural shifts in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Adolescent Health
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Heavy school backpacks are commonly believed to negatively impact adolescent spinal structures and posture.
- Rapidly growing adolescent spines may be particularly vulnerable to postural changes from sustained load-bearing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how backpack load affects the craniovertebral angle in adolescents.
- To analyze postural responses to backpack use across different age groups and genders.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, observational study involving 985 students (aged 12-18) from five high school year levels.
- Posture was measured with and without school backpacks, with data analyzed per school year level.
- Craniovertebral angle changes were assessed in relation to backpack weight and student demographics.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in the craniovertebral angle were observed in all year levels when comparing posture with and without a backpack.
- The most pronounced changes were noted in the youngest students.
- While incremental changes in the craniovertebral angle showed weak association with backpack load, this association strengthened in older girls, particularly when controlling for body mass index and weight.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent postural response to backpack use varies by gender and developmental stage.
- The craniovertebral angle may not be the most sensitive measure for detecting head-on-neck postural changes in adolescents.
- Further research may be needed to identify more sensitive indicators of postural adaptation to backpack loads.
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