Vol. 9, Issue 3, Part A (2025)

Backpack-related musculoskeletal stress has become an important public health concern as school-going children increasingly carry heavy academic loads during periods of rapid musculoskeletal development. Excessive backpack weight, improper load distribution, and prolonged carriage have been associated with shoulder elevation, forward head posture, altered spinal curvature, and increased thoracolumbar muscle strain, potentially leading to long-term consequences during adolescence and adulthood. The present research investigates the association between backpack weight and early postural deviations among primary and middle-school children aged 6-14 years. Using standardized anthropometric measurements and validated postural assessment tools, the research examines sagittal and frontal plane deviations, shoulder asymmetry, and trunk inclination relative to varying backpack-to-body-weight ratios. Findings reveal a strong correlation between higher backpack loads and early postural maladaptation’s, particularly forward head posture and increased thoracic kyphosis, suggesting that even loads below the commonly recommended 10-15% threshold may influence postural alignment. The research underscores the necessity for evidence-based school policies, ergonomic backpack designs, and parental awareness to mitigate biomechanical stress during key developmental years.