Postural Control and Muscle Endurance in Children With Idiopathic Toe-Walking

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neurology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Idiopathic toe-walking (ITW) is a condition where children walk on their toes without a known cause.
• Children with ITW may face difficulties in postural tasks and perceive physical activity as challenging.
• Understanding the impact of ITW on motor control is crucial for intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare postural control abilities between children with ITW and age-matched healthy controls.
• To assess and compare lower-extremity and trunk muscle endurance in children with ITW versus healthy peers.
• To identify specific deficits in balance and muscle function associated with ITW.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 16 children with ITW and 16 healthy controls (mean age ~11 years).
• Postural control was assessed using the Biodex Balance System and the Balance Error Scoring System.
• Muscle endurance was evaluated through the 1-min sit-to-stand, 30-sec sit-up, and Biering-Sorenson tests.

Main Results:

• Children with ITW demonstrated significantly poorer performance on all postural stability tests (Biodex and BESS).
• A significant difference was found in lower-extremity muscle endurance (1-min sit-to-stand test), with ITW children showing weaker endurance.
• No significant differences in trunk muscle endurance were observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Children with ITW exhibit significantly impaired postural control compared to healthy children.
• Lower-extremity muscle endurance is reduced in children with ITW, but trunk muscle endurance remains comparable.
• These findings suggest that ITW is associated with deficits in balance and specific muscle group endurance.