The Journal of school health
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Carrying a schoolbag is a daily activity for most children and much research has been conducted in an effort to identify a safe load limit for children to carry in their schoolbags. Despite this, there is still no consensus about guideline weight and other factors associated with carrying a schoolbag. The objective of this article is to review the literature on schoolbags with particular emphasis on the load limit guidelines and schoolbag-related musculoskeletal pain, and to suggest directions for school health and future research. ⋯ The shortcomings in the current literature should be addressed so that evidence-based guidelines can be provided to schoolchildren, parents, and teachers. It is suggested that general guidance may be more appropriate than a single load limit guideline.