Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 2, 2025

Quantifying Learning in Young Infants: Tracking Leg Actions During a Discovery-learning Task
11:18

Quantifying Learning in Young Infants: Tracking Leg Actions During a Discovery-learning Task

Published on: June 1, 2015

10.8K

Back-Carrying in Children Is Related to Lower Limb Development

Mariaan van Aswegen1, Stanisław H Czyż1,2,3, Sarah J Moss1

  • 1Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Back-carrying children is linked to lower limb development. More frequent back-carrying was associated with greater genu valgum and internal tibial torsion, but remained within normal developmental limits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Anthropology
  • Biomechanics

Background:

  • Back-carrying is a common cultural practice for child transport and care.
  • The developmental effects of back-carrying on children's lower limb development are not well-understood.
  • This study investigates the relationship between back-carrying frequency and lower limb development in Setswana-speaking children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the association between back-carrying practices and lower limb (LL) development in children.
  • To analyze frontal and transverse plane lower limb parameters in relation to back-carrying frequency.
  • To assess if observed developmental differences necessitate interventions in back-carrying methods.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 691 Setswana-speaking children aged 2-9 years.
  • Measurement of lower limb parameters: tibiofemoral angle, intermalleolar distance, femoral anteversion angle (AVA), and tibial torsion angle (TTA).
  • Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis to correlate back-carrying frequency (via questionnaire) with LL development metrics.

Main Results:

  • Significant relationships were found between back-carrying practices and lower limb development (p < 0.001).
  • Children with more frequent back-carrying showed statistically significant greater genu valgum, greater internal tibial torsion angles (TTA), and smaller femoral anteversion angles (AVA).
  • These observed differences in genu valgum, TTA, and AVA were within normal developmental ranges.

Conclusions:

  • Back-carrying practices are associated with specific frontal and transverse plane lower limb development characteristics.
  • Observed variations in genu valgum, TTA, and AVA in frequently back-carried children are within normal limits.
  • No educational interventions regarding back-carrying methods or duration are currently required; further research into specific influencing factors is recommended.

Keywords:
Setswana childrenback-carryinglower limb developmenttibiofemoral angle

More Related Videos

Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds05:52

Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds

Published on: August 25, 2020

4.7K
The Impact of Motor Task Conditions on Goal-Directed Arm Reaching Kinematics and Trunk Compensation in Chronic Stroke Survivors15:00

The Impact of Motor Task Conditions on Goal-Directed Arm Reaching Kinematics and Trunk Compensation in Chronic Stroke Survivors

Published on: May 2, 2021

3.7K

Related Concept Videos

Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age01:09

Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age

The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
2.6K
Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella01:16

Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella

The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the...
3.4K
Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
699
Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula01:10

Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula

The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
5.8K
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings01:29

Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings

Other adult family members and siblings play a crucial role in shaping children’s social and emotional development. While parents or primary caregivers are often the central figures in early attachment and socialization, other adults in a child’s life, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles, can significantly influence developmental outcomes. These influences depend on each adult’s personality and may help compensate when a primary caregiver is emotionally distant or...
16
Arteries of Lower Limbs01:20

Arteries of Lower Limbs

The external iliac artery transitions out of the body cavity, entering the femoral region of the lower leg, and is renamed the femoral artery at the point where it traverses the body wall. This artery is responsible for the distribution of blood to the thigh's deep muscles and the skin's ventral and lateral regions, achieved through several minor branches and the lateral deep femoral artery, which also spawns a lateral circumflex artery. The knee area receives blood from the genicular...
2.6K