Baby walkers and the phenomenon of toe-walking

Abstract

Background. There is limited data in the literature regarding the clinical impact of baby walkers (BWs). Aim. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that the formation of abnormal motor pattern in the form of preferred moving without support on the heel, while using a BW. Objectives. We aimed to determine certain epidemiological impact of the use of infant walkers in order to identify the toe-walking pattern to determine the accuracy of its connection with the walker for estimating the volume and characteristics of the phenomenon. Methods. Three retrospective cohort studies were conducted. All the children included in the sample (n = 749) and 363 infants used BWs. Method selected anamnestic survey of parents on a specially designed, anonymous questionnaires and statistical analysis of data. Results. The study population had been using BWs for several years. The reasons for the use of infant walkers were identified. The relative risk of walking without heel support in the BWs user groups RR2 = 3.555 (2.535–4.990, 95% CI) and RR3 = 2.766 (1.178–6.494, 95% CI) was calculated for the second and third studies, respectively. There was an increase in the correlation between toe walking and the use of BWs with longer duration of use. The risk of toe walking in the BW user group (PAR = 19.647%) was calculated. The study revealed no static deformation associated with the use of BWs. Conclusion. The use of BWs was identified as a factor contributing to the formation of the toe-walking pattern and as a possible causal factor of idiopathic toe walking.