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Use of Walkers in Infancy and Musculoskeletal System

The Effect of the Use of a Walker in Infancy on the Musculoskeletal System and the Level of Physical Activity

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05899803
Enrollment
39
Registered
2023-06-12
Start date
2022-01-03
Completion date
2022-06-05
Last updated
2023-06-12

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Musculoskeletal Problems, Physical Activity Level, Use of a Walker in Infancy

Keywords

Baby equipment, physical activity, muscle strength, posture, walker

Brief summary

The aim of this study was to compare lower extremity muscle strength, posture disorders and physical activity levels of children with and without walker use during infancy. Thirty-nine children aged between 8 and 15 years were included. Demographic data, New York Posture Analysis Questionnaire and Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire Scale (PAQ-C) were collected. Muscle strength was measured with a digital muscle strength meter.

Detailed description

This study aimed to compare lower extremity muscle strength, postural disorders, and physical activity levels of children who used and did not use a walker during infancy. The study included 39 children aged between 8 and 15 years. The demographic information of the children, their motor development stages and walker use situations, the age at which they started using it, and the duration of use were questioned. The New York Posture Analysis Questionnaire and Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire Scale (PAQ-C) were administered to the children. Muscle strength was measured with a digital muscle strength meter.

Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTPosture Analysis

This analysis consists of 13 different body parts and evaluates the body in terms of current posture changes. Our study evaluated children from two angles: posterior (head, shoulders, back, hips, feet, and arches) and lateral (neck, chest, shoulders, upper back, trunk, abdomen, and waist). In the scoring system, correct posture was recorded as five points, a moderate amount of deformity posture as three points, and severe deformity posture as one point. The total score calculated at the end of the questionnaire was a maximum of 65 points and a minimum of 13 points. The results of the analysis were evaluated as follows: ≥ 45 points, very good, 40-44 points good, 30-39 points moderate, 20-29 points poor, and a total score of ≤ 19 points.

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTPhysical activity level

This questionnaire, administered to children aged 4-14, evaluates the activities performed during a week. The questionnaire consisted of nine questions, each of which was evaluated on a 5 points. One point indicated a low physical activity level and five points indicated a high physical activity level. Dividing the total score of the selected items by the number of items gives a summary score for the PAQ-C questionnaire. In our study, we used the Turkish version of the questionnaire, which was found to be reliable and valid.

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTMuscle strength

Our study objectively measured muscle strength using the JTech Commander PowerTrack Muscle Dynamometer. Right and left muscle tests: Hip flexors/hyperextensors/adductors/abductors/internal rotators/external retractors, knee flexors/extensors, and foot plantar flexors/dorsiflexors were evaluated. The measurement results were recorded in Newtons, the measurements were repeated three times, and the average of these three repetitions was recorded.

Sponsors

Ozden Gokcek
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
8 Years to 15 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* No idiopathic serious orthopedic problems * No chronic disease * Children and their parents who volunteered to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

* Presence of neurologic disease. * Presence of neuromuscular disease. * Presence of mental retardation.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Muscle strength6 monthsJTech Commander PowerTrack Muscle Dynamometer
Physical activity level6 monthsPhysical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C)

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Posture analysis6 monthsNew York Posture Analysis Questionnaire

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026