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

Abstract

Abstract Background The study aimed to compare the lower extremity muscle strength, postural disorders, and physical activity levels of children who used and did not use a walker during infancy. Method The study included 39 children between the ages of 8 and 15. The demographic information of the children, their motor development stages and walker use situations, the age at which they started to use it, and the duration of use was questioned. The New York Posture Analysis Questionnaire and the Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire Scale (PAQ-C) were given to the children. Muscle strength was measured with a digital muscle strength meter. Results For the left hip abductor, right hip adductor, right foot plantar flexor, both lower extremity dorsiflexor muscles, and PAQ-C weekend item parameters, a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (p˂0.05). Conclusion We believe that future age periods should be followed up to examine the effect of the use of walkers in children in the developmental period, and the predicted possible effects may yield findings, especially at later ages. The lack of statistical differences in posture and muscle strength necessitated the association of childhood with adulthood.