Comparison of the risk factors highlighted in each review appears to
suggest that a difference exists between the significant factors that
affect child and adult populations. The risk factors identified as
affecting the adult workforce include lifting and forceful movements,
heavy physical work, awkward posture, static work posture and vibration (NIOSH, 1997). This contrasts with the risk factors identified by Balagué et al. (1999)
which focus primarily on the physical attributes of the individual and
family history. Further research is required so that a better
understanding is obtained about the risk factors for back pain that
affect both young and adult populations as well as the transition
between the groups with respect to the reporting of back pain. This
review paper is in the form of a critical appraisal and synthesis of the
current literature in order to identify the main risk factors
associated with back pain in school children aged 11–14 years and to
examine intervention studies previously undertaken in a school setting.
It concludes by proposing a possible intervention strategy to address
the issue of back pain in school children