Korowa Anglican Girls' School

School Bags and Posture

A number of parents have enquired about the possibility of having "trolley bags" as an option for the school bag to reduce the load and strain of carrying bags to and from school. The Uniform Shop has investigated this option but has received strong recommendations from both our supplier and from the Chiropractic Association of Australia's Occupational Health and Safety Group against wheeling schoolbags. Twisting the body and jarring are very real risks that could cause pain and damage to the spine.

For these reasons, the Uniform Shop continues to recommend the use of the Chiropak for all girls in Years 6 to 12. To reduce the likelihood of injury it is important to ensure that the bags are properly fitted and worn correctly. Some of the common problems include having the shoulder straps too loose so the bag sits too low on the back, wearing the bag over one shoulder and carrying too much to and from school.

To help the school community reduce strains and injury associated with carrying school bags, here are the Chiropractors' Association of Australia guidelines for fitting a Chiropak:

• The Chiropak should be no taller from the base to the top of the pack than the distance between the top of your shoulders and the seat of a chair when you are seated.
• Remove the internal spinal board (contained in the back panel of the bag) and get a parent/Chiropractor to check the shape hugs your spine when you are bare backed/in a thin shirt. If you need to adjust the spinal board to get a better fit, put your leg up onto a chair and use slow and gradual bends over your leg to achieve the desired shape. Then return the board to the pack ensuring you place it in the correct way!
• Before wearing your pack, ensure you take out anything you do not need for the day and place the heaviest items (laptops/text books) against your spine. Try to limit the weight you carry to be no more than 10% of your body weight.
• Close all zips to prevent ‘sag' or gravity pulling the load away from your body.
• Adjust the side compression straps tightly to bring the load as close to your body as possible.
• Using the pick-up loop, lift the pack onto one shoulder and then put your second arm through.
• Pull down on the shoulder strap adjustment tags until the load is sitting on your hips with approximately 80% of the weight on your hips and 20% over your shoulders.
• Connect the waist belt. This should not be tight, it is merely to anchor the load to your hips and prevent it ‘banging' against your spine.
• The sternum strap (across the chest) does not have to be used but will add to the weight distribution and so slightly reduce fatigue on specific muscles. The sternum strap should be used when running, cycling or carrying loads heavier than 10% of your body weight.
• DO NOT allow the bag to sit below your hips, sag away from your spine (pulling you backwards) or carry your pack over one shoulder.

Parents are advised to check the way their daughters pack and carry their Korowa schoolbag. The Chiropak was chosen specifically for its good design for young backs and long term spinal health. The Korowa Uniform Shop Staff are able to assist parents with further advice should this be necessary.