Use of Walkers in Infancy and Musculoskeletal System
Condition: Use of a Walker in Infancy; Physical Activity Level; Musculoskeletal Problems
Study type: Interventional

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.
    

Intervention name(s): Posture Analysis; Physical activity level; Muscle strength
Intervention type(s): Diagnostic Test; Diagnostic Test; Diagnostic Test
Intervention description(s): 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.; 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.; 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.
Other intervention name(s): New York Posture Analysis; Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C); Digital Muscle Strength Meter
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Health Services Research
Keywords: Baby equipment; physical activity; muscle strength; posture; walker