Aim: To find out correlation between heavy school bags and upper limb disabilities among school going children.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional survey, using non-probability convenience sampling, was conducted on 396 students of 11 to 15 years after ethical approval in 6 months. Height (in cm) and weight (in Kg) were noted and BMI was calculated. Students with the normal BMI were included in the study. Weigh of the students were recorded with their shoes off while the weight of the bags was calculated with all the stationary included. Quick DASH scale score was calculated and correlated with the weight of the bag by applying Chi-Square test.

Results: The mean age of the participants was13.49±1.12 years. The mean weight of the school bag was 6.10±2.1Kgs while the students were carrying more than one-quarter of their body weight. The disability calculated from the quick DASH scale was as high as 40%. Chi-square showed a significant correlation between the upper limb disabilities and the weight of the bag.

Conclusion: The study showed that there is a significant correlation that the use of heavy school bags can cause upper limb disabilities in children.

Keywords: Heavy School Bags, Upper Limb Disabilities, Children, Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand