Sabiha Bezgin1, Kamile Uzun Akkaya2, Halil İbrahim Çelik3, Aysu Duyan Çamurdan4, Bülent Elbasan3. 1. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Kırıkkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Kırıkkale, Turkey. 2. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Yüksek İhtisas University Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey. 3. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Gazi University Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey. 4. Department of Social Pediatrics, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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.
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.