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Janusz P, Pikulska D, Kapska N, Kaniowska M, Darcz M, Bykowski B, Ekwińska W, Stachowiak E, Kotwicki T, Shadi M. Association Between Baby Walker Use and Infant Functional Motor Development. Pediatr Phys Ther 2023; 35:237-241. [PMID: 36989051 DOI: 10.1097/pep.0000000000000995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine the association between baby walker use and infant motor development, quality of gait, and potential development of lower extremity deformities. METHODS An anonymous survey was conducted among 6874 parents and legal guardians regarding the use of baby walkers, their children's development, and the occurrence of lower extremity deformities and gait disorders. A total of 969 questionnaires were returned. RESULTS Baby walkers were used by 15.6% of children. A higher percentage of children who used baby walkers omitted crawling compared with the 10.7% of children who did not use baby walkers. Gait disorders occurred at a similar percentage in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Use of baby walkers may be associated with infant motor development. Infants who used a baby walker were 3 times more likely to not have crawled for mobility than those who did not use a baby walker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Janusz
- Spine Disorders, Department of Spine Disorders and Pediatric Orthopedics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland (Dr Janusz), Department of Spine Disorders and Pediatric Orthopedics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland (Drs Kotwicki and Shadi), Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland (Mss Pikulska, Kapska, Kaniowska, Darcz, Ekwińska, and Stachowiak and Mr Bykowski)
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Golmohammadpour H, Garosi E, Taheri M, Dehghan N, Ezbarami SM, Karanikas N. Redesign and ergonomic assessment of a chest-support baby walker. Work 2023; 76:737-747. [PMID: 37066957 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents often use baby walkers (BWs) as assistive devices to improve their infants' independent movement and motor skill acquisition. However, the literature suggests that conventional baby walkers (CBW) may cause delays in an infant's ability to walk independently and musculoskeletal burden on parents. OBJECTIVE In the current study, a baby walker (RBW) with chest support was redesigned and ergonomically assessed during an infant-walking task. METHODS The anthropometric dimensions of 90 infants aged 7-11 months were measured in the city of Urmia, northwestern Iran. Following redesigning based on the results from expert panel meetings and prototyping of the RBW, 18 mothers (age: 28.33±4.27 and height: 163.75±5.32 and weight: 59.45±5.99) with their infants (9 boys and 9 girls) performed a simulated infant walking task in two experimental sessions using the CBW and RBW over a repeated measurements design. The infants' feet track patterns, including the number of steps and step distances were assessed via the image analysis of the footprints. The mothers' body posture and lower back spinal load were evaluated using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) technique and 3D Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP), respectively. RESULTS Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed infants walked more steps with the RBW (p = 0.002). Similarly, the distance between the infants' left heel strike (p = 0.008) and their right and left toe-off (p = 0.03 and 0.02 respectively) was also significantly lower in the RBW use. Additionally, the body posture of mothers was improved (RULA final score from 7 for CBW to 5 for RBW). Moreover, lower back compression and shear forces were reduced significantly (p = 0.002) by the RBW use. CONCLUSION According to the feet track pattern, infants took more balanced steps when the RBW was used. In addition, mothers were subjected to less pressure on the lumbar region when they placed and lifted their infant from the RBW. However, further work is necessary to investigate potential long-term effects of the RBWs use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamedeh Golmohammadpour
- Department of Industrial and System Engineering, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Getzville, NY, USA
| | - Ehsan Garosi
- Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Taheri
- Department of Architecture, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naser Dehghan
- Ambient Intelligence Laboratory (AMI-Lab), Computer Science Department, Faculty of Science, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | | | - Nektarios Karanikas
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Albarrak YA, Algwaiz AF, Sharaf AM, Alahmari AA, Albadi AK, Almutairi AM. The Reasons and Associated Injuries Related to Baby Walkers Use Among Children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2021; 13:e17122. [PMID: 34548961 PMCID: PMC8437085 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baby walkers (BW) are devices commonly used for helping babies' mobility. However, it is associated with different types of injuries. Parents still use BWs and believe that it promotes early walking. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to estimate the use of baby walkers among children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to identify the parental reasons for using BW, and to list their associated injuries. METHODS This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted between January 9, 2021, and January 31, 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed through online means. We included all families living in Riyadh who have at least one child that is older than six months and younger than 36 months. RESULTS This study included a total of 977 responders, of which, the majority 765 (78.3%) were baby walker users and 212 (21.6%) were non-users. Among those families using BW, the highest reason behind using them was to help the baby walk earlier (27.3%). However, believing that there is no need for using BW is the highest reason in the non-user group (29.40%). Fifteen percent of the responders reported that they had injuries related to BW usage and most of those injuries were falling downstairs (51.7%). The level of awareness regarding the disadvantage of BW was high in BW non-users (21.1%) compared to BW users (5.1%). CONCLUSION The results of our study show that the prevalence of BW usage is high in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The majority of the families lack knowledge of the benefits and hazards of BW. Thus, pediatricians and the Ministry of Health have to increase the awareness of BW. Furthermore, the government should ban their importation and selling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir A Albarrak
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Abdulelah M Sharaf
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, SAU
| | - Albaraa A Alahmari
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, SAU
| | - Alwaleed K Albadi
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ahmed M Almutairi
- Pediatrics, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, SAU
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Evaluation of the effects of using a baby walker on trunk control and motor development. Turk Arch Pediatr 2021; 56:159-163. [PMID: 34286327 DOI: 10.14744/turkpediatriars.2020.48742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the use of baby walkers on trunk control and motor development in typically developing children. Material and methods Demonstrating standard developmental steps, 29 children (14 females, 15 males; mean age 10±1 month) who used a baby walker and 19 children (10 females, 9 males; mean age 10±1 month) who did not use a baby walker were included. Motor skills were assessed using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale and trunk control using Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control. Results The motor development scores and trunk balance scores were found significantly lower in infants who used a baby walker compared with those not using a baby walker. Conclusion It was concluded that the use of baby walkers might adversely affect the motor development of infants and this may be due to impaired trunk control.
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Chagas PSC, Fonseca ST, Santos TRT, Souza TR, Megale L, Silva PL, Mancini MC. Effects of baby walker use on the development of gait by typically developing toddlers. Gait Posture 2020; 76:231-237. [PMID: 31874455 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decisions about the use of baby walker are in part predicated on caregivers´ beliefs about its effect on gait development. The actual effects of baby walkers, however, have not been established. RESEARCH QUESTION What are the effects of the use of baby walker prior to gait onset on age of acquisition of this milestone and on early walking kinematics? METHODS Thirty-two toddlers, 16 in the baby walker group (BWG) and 16 in the non-users group (BWNG), were evaluated in the week of gait acquisition and monthly up to six months after this event. Spatial and temporal gait parameters and lower limb kinematics during walking were assessed using a tridimensional motion analysis system. An independent t-test compared age of gait acquisition between groups. A mixed ANOVA examined the effects of group, moment of assessment and the group x moment of assessment interaction effect on the amplitude of joint motions during walking and on spatial and temporal gait parameters. RESULTS The age of gait acquisition was not different between groups. BWG had lower gait speed (specifically in the first, third, fourth, and fifth months after gait acquisition) and longer duration of stance and swing phases than BWNG. Additionally, BWG had smaller knee amplitude and greater hip amplitude in sagittal plane than BWNG in the week of gait acquisition. SIGNIFICANCE The results demonstrated that there is no delay in the age of gait acquisition, but there are differences in kinematics. These results can contribute to evidence-based recommendations by health care professionals about the use of baby walker by toddlers during emergence and early development of gait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula S C Chagas
- Department of Physical Therapy of the Adult, Elderly and Maternal-infant, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Sergio T Fonseca
- Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais State (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Thiago R T Santos
- Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais State (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Thales R Souza
- Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais State (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiz Megale
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais State (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Paula L Silva
- Center for Cognition, Action, and Perception, Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati (UC), Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Marisa C Mancini
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais State (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Barss P, Grivna M, Al-Hanaee A, Al-Dhahab A, Al-Kaabi F, Al-Muhairi S. Baby walker injury, disability, and death in a high-income middle eastern country, as reported by siblings. Inj Epidemiol 2016; 3:17. [PMID: 27747554 PMCID: PMC4942486 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-016-0082-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Baby walkers (BWs) are frequent causes of infant injuries. Little research is reported from the Middle East and few population-based studies anywhere. Methods Using multistage random sampling in a city of the United Arab Emirates, 4 of 8 female Arab government high schools and 3 final-year classes each from science and arts tracks were selected. Structured self-administered questionnaires assessed prevalence, frequency, severity, and external causes of BW incidents and injuries, and residential hazards. Results Response was 100 %, 696 students, 55 % (n = 385) Emirati citizens. 87 % (n = 605) of families used/had used BWs. Among 646 injuries were 118 ER (emergency) visits, 42 hospitalizations, 11 disabilities, and 3 deaths. Average risk was 1 incident/user, 1 injury/4 users, 1 ER visit/20, 1 hospitalization/55, 1 disability/200, 1 death/1000. Odds ratios for >1:1 floor levels were 2.3 (95 % confidence interval: 1.2, 4.3) for hospitalization, 16.8 (95 % CI: 2.1, 132.5) disability. Incidents included hitting objects 48 % (n = 1322), overturning 23 % (n = 632), accessing hazardous objects 17 % (n = 473), and falling down stairs 11 % (n = 300); 1 % (n = 32) fell into swimming pools. In 49 % (n = 297/605) of user families, ≥1 child had been injured. Conclusions Despite causing many injuries including disabilities and fatalities, BWs were used by nearly all families. Governments should consider Canada’s lead in prohibiting importation, sales, and advertising of BWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Barss
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michal Grivna
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Amna Al-Hanaee
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayesha Al-Dhahab
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Al-Kaabi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shamma Al-Muhairi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Grivna M, Barss P, Al-Hanaee A, Al-Dhahab A, Al-Kaabi F, Al-Muhairi S. Baby walker injury awareness among grade-12 girls in a high-prevalence Arab country in the Middle East. Asia Pac J Public Health 2014; 27:NP1507-16. [PMID: 24595658 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513498766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Baby walkers (BWs) are a consumer product frequently associated with infant injuries. With little research in the Middle East and few population studies anywhere, female students in grade 12 in the United Arab Emirates were surveyed, assessing the prevalence of use, perceived safety, and interventions. The study population included grade-12 students in a large UAE city. Multistage random sampling selected 4/8 female Arab government schools and 3 classes each from science and arts tracks for interview by self-administered questionnaire. Response was 100%, with a total of 696 students, 55% (n = 385) of whom were Emirati citizens; 90% (n = 619) of the families used/had used BWs. Among the reasons for use, 92% reported "keeping baby safe," with 11% perceiving BWs as very safe and 74% as moderately safe. Only 16% perceived that BWs could cause injuries. Despite causing many injuries, including fatalities, BWs were perceived to be safe and used by nearly all families. Effective education of professionals, patients, the public, and decision makers is needed. Governments should consider countermeasures such as prohibiting importation, sales, and advertising, together with public education and provision of stationary activity centers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Barss
- United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE Interior Health Authority of British Columbia, Salmon Arm, BC, Canada University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Abstract
AIM To determine in an urban population in Turkey, the frequency of baby walker (BW) use, beliefs and attitudes of mothers regarding BWs, frequency of BW-related injuries and whether families receive counselling from their paediatricians about BWs or not. METHODS Children aged 2 months to 5 years who attended the well-child care clinics of Fatih University Hospital in Ankara comprised the sample. A semi-structured questionnaire was verbally administered. RESULTS Of 495 children, 75.4% was found to use BW. Female gender [odds ratio (OR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.19-2.78) and lower maternal education (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 1.18-0.74) were found to be associated with BW use. Frequencies of injuries associated with BWs were low (7.8%). Only 92 (18.6%) families received appropriate counselling by their paediatricians. CONCLUSION The results of our study show that BW use is common in urban Turkey. Families are not informed about the lack of benefits and potential hazards of BWs and base reasons of using and not using on unique cultural beliefs rather than informed, evidence-based decisions. Paediatricians in Turkey and potentially other countries require information about the need for counselling families about the hazards associated with BW use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derya Gumus Dogan
- Department of Pediatrics, Fatih University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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Claudet I, Fédérici S, Debuisson C, Laporte-Turpin E, Micheau P, Pajot C, Grouteau E, Sérignac C, Huguenin M. [Babywalker use (baby-trot, youpala): an unsafe practice]. Arch Pediatr 2006; 13:1481-5. [PMID: 17029935 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2006.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2006] [Accepted: 08/11/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM Epidemiological analysis of accidents related to babywalker use admitted to a pediatric emergency department. METHODS Retrospective, descriptive study of injuries related to babywalkers admitted to the pediatric emergency department between January 1st, 2003 and December 31st, 2005. RESULTS One hundred and seventy-eight children were admitted due to an accident related to babywalker use. The sex ratio was 1.7 with a male prevalence. Mean age was 11+/-4 months. Seventy-eight percent of babywalker-related injuries were attributable to fall down a flight of stairs. The mean number of steps that a child fell down was 7 (range 1-20 steps). The repartition of accidents was bimodal: during the year, 1 peak in May and 1 in October; during the week: 54% of the cases occurred on Thursday or on the weekend; during the day (1 peak between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 1 peak between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Non-severe head traumas represented the most frequent injury (72%). Twenty-one children were hospitalised for concussion (N=15), cranial fractures (N=3), forearm fracture (N=1), dental subluxation (N=1) and extradural hematoma (N=1). A social problem (families with unsafe domestic practices) was identified in 26 children (15%), 16 of these situations were recognized due to the retrospective character of the study and the analysis of hospital admissions after the first accident. CONCLUSION Stairway related falls associated with babywalker use and fall down in the stairs are very frequent in children less than 1 year-old. This resulted in babywalkers being prohibited in Canada since 2004. In several countries, advocates are working to ban babywalkers. Active or passive prevention methods have shown their limits. This unsafe and dangerous practice should be banned in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Claudet
- POSU Pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants, CHU de Toulouse, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 70034, 31059 Toulouse cedex 09, France.
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