title: Poor sitting posture and a heavy schoolbag as contributors to musculoskeletal pain in children: an ergonomic school education intervention program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate a multidisciplinary, interventional, ergonomic education program designed to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems by reducing schoolbag weight and correcting poor sitting posture.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected twice before and twice following intervention using the Standardized Nordic Body Map Questionnaire, a rapid upper limb assessment for posture evaluation, and schoolbag weight measurement in children aged 8 and 11 years attending two schools within the central region of Malaysia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students who received the ergonomic intervention reported significant improvements in their sitting posture in a classroom environment and reduction of schoolbag weight as compared with the controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A single-session, early intervention, group ergonomics education program for children aged 8 and 11 years is appropriate and effective, and should be considered as a strategy to reduce musculoskeletal pain among schoolchildren in this age group.
authors: Environmental and Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
authors: Ai
authors: A
authors: Syazwan
authors: Mn Mohamad
authors: MM
authors: Azhar
authors: Ar
authors: A
authors: Anita
authors: Hs
authors: H
authors: Azizan
authors: Ms
authors: M
authors: Shaharuddin
authors: J Muhamad
authors: JM
authors: Hanafiah
authors: Aa
authors: A
authors: Muhaimin
authors: Am
authors: A
authors: Nizar
authors: B Mohd
authors: BM
authors: Rafee
authors: A Mohd
authors: AM
authors: Ibthisham
authors: Adam
authors: A
authors: Kasani