| Author: | Lai, Pui-han |
| Title: | Effect of the weight of a school bag on lung volumes of Chinese primary school children |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2000 |
| Subject: | School children -- Health and hygiene -- China -- Hong Kong Chinese -- China -- Hong Kong Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Multi-disciplinary Studies Department of Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Pages: | vii, 68 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Hong Kong Chinese students undertaking Primary Four studies from one local school were invited to participate in this study. Spirometry lung function test was measured in 18 male and 25 female students in five standing positions: normal standing; standing with slumped kyphotic back; standing carrying a backpack of 10%, 20% and 30% of their body weight respectively. The procedures involved in spirometry lung function testing were explained and demonstrated to each subject. Each subject was then allowed a few trial tests. Baseline spirometry was then performed in normal standing. This was followed by four subsequent spirometry tests, in a random manner, at the different loading conditions. A five-minute rest was allowed between the change of the weight of the backpack. A single-blinded design was employed in the study with one investigator for all measurements. Measurements for all subjects were made at lunchtime and after school in five individual days within two weeks in mid-March 1999. Results showed no significant differences in the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) measured between normal standing and standing with a 10% of body weight backpack. However both FEV1 and FVC decreased significantly when the student adopted the slumped position or when the weight of the backpack increased to 20% and 30% of body weight. It was also found that FEV1 and FVC measured in the adopted slumped position was similar to those measured in the position of standing with a backpack of 10% or more of body weight. This study suggested that the weight of a child's school bag over 10% body weight initiated a restrictive effect on children's lung volumes. Result of this study provides further evidence to support the recommendation of limiting the weight of children school bag to no more than 10% of their body weight. This study also demonstrated that a slumped posture exerted a restrictive effect on a child's lung volumes physiotherapists should advocate proper postural advice in the education of the commumty. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b15418005.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 3.26 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/4515