Contrary to common belief, back pain amongst young people is a frequent phenomenon. Epidemiological studies have found high prevalence rates of back pain. The study reported here aims to identify the extent of back pain experienced by 11 to 14 year old schoolchildren, and establish the intensity, duration and frequency of exposure to physical risk factors present in schools. This paper considers the sitting postures of schoolchildren in the classroom. The sitting postures of 66 children were recorded in normal lessons using the Portable Ergonomic Observation Method (PEO). Associations were found between high body mass index and back and neck pain, flexed trunk postures and low back pain and static postures and upper back pain. The implications of the findings are discussed.
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