Facts About Backpack Injury:
Many children, teens and adults are carrying up to 40 lbs. and are potentially injuring themselves.

• Heavy backpacks have a destructive impact on the posture and spinal health of children.
• Today’s heavy loads are causing injuries that can last a lifetime.
• 55% of students carry more than the recommended national guidelines of 10-15% of body weight. (Simmons College, April , 2001)
• The average student has a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for pain of 5.8 (Northeastern University)

The study further showed that a good way to prevent this injury was with an AIRPACKS backpack. Specifically, the average student wearing an AIRPACKS backpack had a 50% reduction in pain as compared to the control group and had an average VAS score of 1.8)

• 66% of school nurses reported seeing students with pain or injury attributed to carrying backpacks. (AIRPACKS survey, 2000)
• Up to 60% of children will experience back pain by the time they reach 18 years of age. (University of Michigan)
• National Public Radio reported that 65% of adolescents’ visits to doctors are for backpack related injuries. (October, 1998)
• The American Academy of Orthopedics stated that backpack injury is a significant problem for children.
• 58% have seen patients complaining about back or shoulder pain related to backpacks
• 65% have recommended that a patient modify use of a backpack to improve or correct a back problem. (October 1999)
• Medical professionals advise that individuals carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight on their backs.