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Getting Kids Back to Health with Physical Activity
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Posted on: 11/30/1999
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Parents face some tricky decisions. Back pain is on the rise in children and teenagers. A lack of physical activity may be linked to back pain. But safety concerns sometimes lead parents to drive their children everywhere.
Researchers in Norway compared back pain in eighth and ninth graders. Results were compared for two groups. The first group actively got themselves to school by walking or biking. The second group used passive transport (bus or car).
Back pain was measured in each child. Other measures included number of hours in front of the television or computer. Students were also asked about social class, well- being, and parents' back pain. They found that students spent about seven hours on leisure physical activities. They spent more than twice that amount (15 hours) in front of the computer or television. These measures were the same for all students regardless of whether they lived in the city or country. Boys and girls also had the same results.
The authors report that even short but frequent walking or biking may promote good back health. The results support the guidelines for 30 minutes of daily activity given by the United States Surgeon General. Riding in cars and buses may increase low back pain because of long sitting times, the vibrations, and the loss of physical activity.
Even though this study was small, the researchers say the results are similar to other study results. The data offers some general information about how often back pain occurs in children and teens: about 50 percent have back pain at some time. It also points out the need to encourage more active forms of transport. Providing safe walking routes and teaching parents about the benefits of physical activity may improve back health in young people.
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References:
Astrid N. Sjolie. Active or Passive Journeys and Low Back Pain in Adolescents. In European Spine Journal. December, 2003. Vol. 12. No. 6. Pp. 581-588.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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