Influence of infant-walkers on motor development: mimicking spastic diplegia?
We discuss two patients, who used an infant walker during the period in which they learned to walk. The influence on qualitative and quantitative motor development is illustrated in this report. A disharmonic and delayed motor development, contractures of the calf-muscles and motor development mimicking spastic diplegia are considered to be caused by the early use of infant walkers. As illustrated by the literature, infant walkers do not have any positive effect on improving motor development. Vulnerability of infants with regards to accidents is increased. In our opinion, the use of infant-walkers should be discouraged.
Engelbert
R H
RH
Department of Paediatric Physical Therapy, University Hospital for Children and Youth, Utrecht, The Netherlands. r.engelbert@wkz.azu.nl
van Empelen
R
R
Scheurer
N D
ND
Helders
P J
PJ
van Nieuwenhuizen
O
O
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology; D002657:Child Development; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015370:Infant Equipment / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D014034:Toes / Q000503:physiopathology; D016138:Walking