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The objective of this research is: To determine alterations in body posture in relation to the weight of the backpack in schoolchildren of the Manuel Ygnacio Monteros Valdivieso Educational Unit. Materials and methods: a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2016. The sample consisted of 146 students from 6 to 11 years of age. A previously validated survey was executed in a pilot plan for schoolchildren, in addition to a physical examination applying the Adams test and the sagittal arrows test. The following results were obtained: 71.2% carry a backpack with a weight greater than 10% of their body weight; in this same population it was found that 84.62% move around walking and that 65.06% present fatigue; while 70.19% refer pain at shoulder level with a frequency of 3 to 4 times a week with an intensity of 4 in addition; at the physical examination 56.7% presented hyperkyphosis thus contrasting that an excessive weight of the backpack can contribute to the appearance of discomfort and postural alterations.
About the author
Médecin de profession, diplômé de l'université nationale de Loja.
