Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Effects of infant crawling experience on range of motion
Ali Cimbiz1, Vahdettin Bayazit
1Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, Health Institution of Higher School, Dumlupinar University, 43100 Kutahya, Turkey. Tel. +90 535 393 8164.
Insights
Infant crawling experience impacts hip range of motion, with crawlers showing less flexibility. Encouraging crawling is vital for infant joint development and stabilization, particularly in the hips.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Infant motor development
- Biomechanical analysis
Background:
- Crawling is a crucial developmental milestone in infancy.
- Understanding the impact of early motor experiences on musculoskeletal development is important.
- Limited research exists on the specific effects of crawling on joint range of motion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of infant crawling experience on shoulder and hip range of motion.
- To assess the effect of crawling on trunk flexibility in young children.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 40 infants with normal motor development, divided into a crawler group (CG) and a non-crawler group (NCG).
- Assessment of shoulder and hip range of motion (ROM) and trunk flexibility.
- Statistical analysis to compare outcomes between the CG and NCG.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in physical characteristics or shoulder ROM between groups.
- Crawler group girls were heavier and taller than the non-crawler group.
- Non-crawler group exhibited significantly higher hip abduction and external rotation ROM compared to the crawler group.
Conclusions:
- Crawling is essential for developing joint stabilization, particularly at the hip.
- Parents should encourage and facilitate infant crawling for optimal musculoskeletal development.
- Environmental conditions supporting crawling are important for infant motor progression.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to show the effects of infant crawling experience on shoulder and hip range of motion and trunk flexibility.
Methods:
One hundred and twenty children who had attended the Child and Mothers Health Center in Kutahya City of Turkey between 2002 and 2003 were evaluated, and 40 children walking without assistance with normal motor development were divided into 2 groups, crawler group (CG) (N:20) and noncrawler group (NCG) (N:20). The CG children were selected to match with age of the NCG. Shoulder and hip range of motion and trunk flexibility were measured for assessment.
Results:
No statistical differences were observed in all physical characteristics and range of movement (ROM) for girls and boys of each group (p>0.05). The CG girls were statistically found heavier and taller than NCG (p<0.05). The CG were found to start to walk later (p<0.05) and used walker devices less often (p<0.01) than the NCG. All hip ROM values were found statistically higher in NCG than CG (p<0.05, p<0.01) except hip flexion (p>0.05) and no statistical differences were found between groups shoulder ROM values (p>0.05), except NCG left flexion (p<0.05). The highest hip abduction ROM was measured in NCG boys and highest external rotation was measured in NCG girls. No statistical differences were found in trunk flexion and sit and reach test in both groups.
Conclusion:
Crawling is an important developmental exercise for infants to gain joint stabilization especially on the hip joint, and parents should facilitate their infant`s to crawl and maintain suitable environmental conditions.
Related Concept Videos
00:51Anatomical Movements
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist, metacarpophalangeal,...
01:14Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development
Exploration...