Effect of play-based postural training programme on musculoskeletal discomfort due to school bag loads among primary school students

Carrying heavy school bags is a common cause of musculoskeletal discomfort in primary school students, often leading to postural deviations and pain. Despite growing awareness, there is limited evidence on child-friendly interventions that address this concern. This study examined the effectiveness of a play-based postural training programme in reducing musculoskeletal discomfort due to school bag loads among primary school children. A quantitative true-experimental design was used with 30 students (aged 5–10 years) from Queen Mary’s Primary School, Ranipet district. Participants were randomly allocated into an experimental group (n = 15) receiving a structured play-based postural training programme for 36 sessions, and a control group (n = 15) receiving exercise-based control intervention for the same duration. Musculoskeletal discomfort was screened using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and outcomes were assessed through pre- and post-intervention with Borg’s Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. Data were analyzed using paired t and independent t tests. The experimental group showed a highly significant reduction in musculoskeletal discomfort scores from pretest (M = 6.73, SD = 0.96) to posttest (M = 2.47, SD = 0.91, p < 0.001). Posttest comparison revealed greater improvement in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Results demonstrated that the play-based postural training programme was associated with significantly greater reductions in musculoskeletal discomfort compared to exercise-based control intervention. These findings support the use of playful, developmentally appropriate interventions in promoting postural health in children.