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Objective: Baby Walkers (BWs) are used by many parents in the pre-walking period for various reasons. The aim of this study is to investigate the thoughts and usage practices of mothers about the baby walkers, walker-induced accidents and to determine the role of walkers in crawling and independent walking. Material and Methods: The research was conducted between February and April 2022 with 354 mothers who had infants aged 6-24 months-old and also agreed to participate. The mothers have been interviewed and so-obtained data documented on a pre-designed questionnaire. The data gathered from the baby walker users was compared with that of non-users. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview method. Results: 58.1% of all mothers were using baby walkers for their children. Baby Walker usage was first started at 7.3±0.98 months of age. There was no significant difference between baby walkers user and non-user groups in terms of crawling and independent walking ages (p>0.050). Among the baby walker user group, 47.5% stated that "it allowed them to do housework;" while 34.4% of the non-users stated that "it could harm their babies' genitals". Working mothers used baby walkers more than housewife mothers (p<0.006). 9.2% of infants have been exposed to baby walkers associated injuries. Conclusion: Although there are concerns that walkers may cause gait disturbances and walker-related accidents; it was observed that mothers used walkers for different reasons. It is important that health professionals raise awareness about the walkers in routine child health follow-ups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The common paradigm to study the adaptability of human gait is split-belt walking. Short-term savings (minutes to days) of split-belt adaptation have been widely studied to gain knowledge in locomotor learning but reports on long-term savings are limited. Here, we studied whether after a prolonged inter-exposure interval (three weeks), the newly acquired locomotor pattern is subject to forgetting or that the pattern is saved in long-term locomotor memory.Research Question: Can savings of adaptation to split-belt walking remain after a prolonged inter-exposure interval of three weeks?Methods: Fourteen healthy adults participated in a single ten-minute adaptation session to split-belt walking and five-minute washout to tied-belt walking. They received no training after the first exposure and returned to the laboratory exactly three weeks later for the second exposure. To identify the adaptation trends and quantify saving parameters we used Singular Spectrum Analysis, a non-parametric, data-driven approach. We identified trends in step length asymmetry and double support asymmetry, and calculated the adaptation volume (reduction in asymmetry over the course of adaptation), and the plateau time (time required for the trend to level off).Results: At the second exposure after three weeks, we found substantial savings in adaptation for step length asymmetry volume (61.6-67.6% decrease) and plateau time (76.3 % decrease). No differences were found during washout or in double support asymmetry.Significance: This study shows that able-bodied individuals retain savings of split-belt adaptation over a three-week period, which indicates that only naïve split-belt walkers should be included in split-belt adaptation studies, as previous experience to split-belt walking will not be washed out, even after a prolonged period. In future research, these results can be compared with long-term savings in patient groups, to gain insight into factors underlying (un)successful gait training in rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study discussed that this is due to the most parents also believe that the use of walkers accelerates the development of independent walking skills among infants. The parents also believe that the incorporation of infant walkers in a child's growth accelerates the development of independent walking skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve good rehabilitation in a person, the amount of walking by the person must be increased. Herein, a compact wheeled gait-training walker with dual-assist arms for assisting pelvic motion is proposed. The training walker is constructed by modifying a commercial wheeled walker with armrests. Therefore, it can be used easily by patients to perform their daily activities at rehabilitation sites. The hardware system and controller of the proposed assisting arms are designed based on gait-assist motions conducted by a physical therapist. The dual arms can achieve a pelvis-assisting motion with five degrees of freedom. A trajectory-following control with virtual compliance is implemented for the arms. Gait-assisting experiments are conducted, in which the dual arms allow a pelvic-like plate to follow the trajectory of a reference pose while reducing the upper body's weight resting on the armrests. A 20 N force on the armrests, which represents the upper-limb load, is reduced while the plate follows the trajectory, and the proposed gait-assisting controller is validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Walking with a 4-wheeled walker is a complex motor task. • People with Alzheimer's dementia experienced using a 4-wheeled walker were tested. • Complex walking paths and cognitive challenge resulted in increased instability. • People self-prioritized gait over the cognitive task in the most complex tests. Learning to walk with a 4-wheeled walker increases cognitive demands in people with Alzheimer's dementia (AD). However, it is expected that experience will offset the increased cognitive demand. Current research has not yet evaluated gait in people with AD experienced in using a 4-wheeled walker under complex gait situations. What is the effect of dual-task testing on the spatial-temporal gait parameters and cognitive performance of people with AD experienced with a 4-wheeled walker? Twenty-three adults with mild to moderate AD (87.4 ± 6.2 years, 48 % female) and at least 6 months of walker use experience participated. Three walking configurations: 1) straight path (SP), 2) Groningen Meander Walking Test (GMWT), and 3) Figure of 8 path (F8) were tested under two walking conditions: 1) single-task (walking with aid) and 2) dual-task (walking with aid and completing a cognitive task). Tri-axial accelerometers collected velocity, cadence and stride time variability (STV). Gait and cognitive task cost were the percentage difference between single-task and dual-task conditions. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to answer the study question. A significant interaction between walking configuration and condition was found for velocity (p = 0.002, ω2 = 0.36), cadence (p = 0.04, ω2 = 0.15) and STV (p < 0.001, ω2 = 0.53). Velocity and cadence decreased and STV increased with increasing walking configuration complexity and upon dual-tasking. Dual-task gait and cognitive task cost deteriorated in all walking configurations, but gait was prioritized in the GMWT and F8 configurations. Despite familiarity, experienced walker users with AD exhibit impaired gait when walking in complex situations which increases falls risk. Upon dual-task, individuals with AD self-prioritized a posture-first strategy in complex configurations. Dual-task testing in experienced users results in slower walking, fewer steps and increased STV, which increases falls risk in people with mild to moderate AD and becomes most pronounced in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Decisions about the use of baby walker are in part predicated on caregivers´ beliefs about its effect on gait development. The actual effects of baby walkers, however, have not been established.Research Question: What are the effects of the use of baby walker prior to gait onset on age of acquisition of this milestone and on early walking kinematics?Methods: Thirty-two toddlers, 16 in the baby walker group (BWG) and 16 in the non-users group (BWNG), were evaluated in the week of gait acquisition and monthly up to six months after this event. Spatial and temporal gait parameters and lower limb kinematics during walking were assessed using a tridimensional motion analysis system. An independent t-test compared age of gait acquisition between groups. A mixed ANOVA examined the effects of group, moment of assessment and the group x moment of assessment interaction effect on the amplitude of joint motions during walking and on spatial and temporal gait parameters.Results: The age of gait acquisition was not different between groups. BWG had lower gait speed (specifically in the first, third, fourth, and fifth months after gait acquisition) and longer duration of stance and swing phases than BWNG. Additionally, BWG had smaller knee amplitude and greater hip amplitude in sagittal plane than BWNG in the week of gait acquisition.Significance: The results demonstrated that there is no delay in the age of gait acquisition, but there are differences in kinematics. These results can contribute to evidence-based recommendations by health care professionals about the use of baby walker by toddlers during emergence and early development of gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although not recommended, nowadays baby walkers (BWs) are commonly used by many parents in the pre-walk period of children. Therefore studies are needed about the use and effects of BWs on child health and development to provide evidence based recommendations to parents. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of BW-use, and related injuries among baby walker users, to investigate the effect of BW use on gross motor development of children and the relationship between BW use and gait disorders. Material and Method: 193 children aged 8-84 months, born fullterm without any chronic disease who were followed up in Outpatient Clinics of Social Pediatrics of Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, and Marmara University Training and Research Hospitals, and their families were included in the study. Information was gathered during face to face interviews about sociodemographic characteristics of the families, their attidues about plays, and toys, gross motor development of the baby, its use of baby walkers, accidents, and diseases the baby experienced, and its manner of walking. Children using BWs for at least 30 minutes per day for more than a month were considered as BW users. Results: Of all children 57,5% were BW users. The most frequent reason asserted by families for not using BW was "physician's recommendation", and they used BWs "to keep the baby occupied". The frequency of injuries was higher among BW users than non-users. This difference was statistically significant. Both groups attained their motor development stages at similar ages. Gait disorders were seen at a higher rate among BW users than nonusers. Ages for the were similar in both groups. Conclusion: As was seen baby walkers are prevalently preferred by parents. In our investigation we determined that BW use does not affect the gross motor development process but the frequency of gait disturbances were found to be higher among BW users than non-users. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate the effect of BW use on toe walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this first study of the impact of sleep on infants’ problem solving of a locomotor task, 28 newly walking infants who were within a week of having given up crawling trained to navigate a shoulder-height tunnel to reach a caregiver waiting at the end. During the transitional window between crawling and walking, infants are reluctant to return to crawling, making this task uniquely challenging. Infants were randomly assigned to either nap or stay awake during a delay between training and a later test session. For the Nap group, efficiency of problem solving improved from training to test, but there was no change for the No Nap group. These findings suggest that for newly walking infants, sleep facilitates learning to solve a novel motor problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although human occupancy is a source of airborne bacteria, the role of walkers on bacterial communities in built environments is poorly understood. Therefore, we visualized the impact of walker occupancy combined with other factors (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, dust particles) on airborne bacterial features in the Sapporo underground pedestrian space in Sapporo, Japan. Air samples (n = 18; 4,800L/each sample) were collected at 8:00 h to 20:00 h on 3 days (regular sampling) and at early morning / late night (5:50 h to 7:50 h / 22:15 h to 24:45 h) on a day (baseline sampling), and the number of CFUs (colony forming units) OTUs (operational taxonomic units) and other factors were determined. The results revealed that temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure changed with weather. The number of walkers increased greatly in the morning and evening on each regular sampling day, although total walker numbers did not differ significantly among regular sampling days. A slight increase in small dust particles (0.3–0.5μm) was observed on the days with higher temperature regardless of regular or baseline sampling. At the period on regular sampling, CFU levels varied irregularly among days, and the OTUs of 22-phylum types were observed, with the majority being from Firmicutes or Proteobacteria (γ-), including Staphylococcus sp. derived from human individuals. The data obtained from regular samplings reveled that although no direct interaction of walker occupancy and airborne CFU and OTU features was observed upon Pearson's correlation analysis, cluster analysis indicated an obvious lineage consisting of walker occupancy, CFU numbers, OTU types, small dust particles, and seasonal factors (including temperature and humidity). Meanwhile, at the period on baseline sampling both walker and CFU numbers were similarly minimal. Taken together, the results revealed a positive correlation of walker occupancy with airborne bacteria that increased with increases in temperature and humidity in the presence of airborne small particles. Moreover, the results indicated that small dust particles at high temperature and humidity may be a crucial factor responsible for stabilizing the bacteria released from walkers in built environments. The findings presented herein advance our knowledge and understanding of the relationship between humans and bacterial communities in built environments, and will help improve public health in urban communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do infants decide what to do at the brink of a precipice? Infants could use two sources of information to guide their actions: perceptual information generated by their own exploratory activity and social information offered by their caregivers. The current study investigated the role of locomotor experience in using social information--both encouragement and discouragement--for descending drop-offs. Mothers of 30 infants (experienced 12-month-old crawlers, novice 12-month-old walkers, and experienced 18-month-old walkers) encouraged and discouraged descent on a gradation of dropoffs (safe "steps" and risky "cliffs"). Novice walkers descended more frequently than experienced crawlers and walkers and fell while attempting to walk over impossibly high cliffs. All infants showed evidence of integrating perceptual and social information, but locomotor experience affected infants' use of social messages, especially on risky dropoffs. Experienced crawlers and walkers selectively deferred to social information when perceptual information is ambiguous. In contrast, novice walkers took mothers' advice inconsistently and only at extreme drop-offs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigated the ability of individuals with experience in gait analysis to identify people by observing features of gait recorded by closed circuit television cameras (CCTV). Seven experienced analysts each viewed five samples of footage. Each sample showed a “target walker” and five “suspect walkers.” The task of the experienced analysts was to determine which, if any, of the “suspect walkers” was the “target walker.” All of the participant “walkers” wore identical loose fitting clothing to mask anatomical and body contour features, and balaclavas to obscure facial features. The overall results showed that the experienced analysts made a correct decision in 124 of 175 cases (71%), significantly better than would have been expected to have occurred by chance (p <0.05). A significant variation in correct decisions (p <0.05) was shown to occur between the various angles from which the footage was recorded, footage recorded in the saggital plane showing the highest number of correct decisions. Significantly more correct decisions (p <0.05) were also shown to occur when the footage of the “target walker” and that of the “suspect walker” were taken from the same angle. The results suggest that individuals with experience in gait analysis perform well in the comparative identification of suspects from CCTV footage, and therefore do have a role to play as expert witnesses in this field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVES: Although mobility aids such as crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs are typically beneficial, they can be associated with injury. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence, patterns, and trends of pediatric mobility aid-related injuries to children and adolescents who were aged ⩽19 years and treated in US emergency departments between 1991 and 2008. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted by using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database for children and adolescents who were aged ⩽19 years. Sample weights were used to calculate national estimates of mobility aid-related injuries on the basis of 2301 actual cases. RESULTS: An estimated 63 309 cases of children and adolescents who were aged ⩽19 years were treated in US emergency departments for mobility aid-related injuries. Approximately 70% of mobility aid related injuries occurred while patients were using wheelchairs. Children who were aged 2 to 10 years were more likely to sustain injuries while using walkers and wheelchairs, injure their heads, and sustain traumatic brain injuries. Children who were aged 11 to 19 years were more likely to sustain injuries while using crutches, injure their lower extremities, and sustain sprains and strains. Injuries involving wheelchairs were more likely to be traumatic brain injuries and result in hospitalization. Injuries involving crutches were more likely to involve misuse and be triggered by stairs or curbs. CONCLUSIONS: Injuries related to crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs have distinct injury patterns, mechanisms of injury, and trigger factors. Injury patterns between younger and older children were different. Additional research is needed to identify effective injury prevention strategies for the pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Children with severe or profound intellectual and motor disabilities often present problems of balance and ambulation and spend much of their time sitting or lying, with negative consequences for their development and social status. Recent research has shown the possibility of using a walker (support) device and microswitches with preferred stimuli to promote ambulation with these children. This study served as a replication of the aforementioned research and involved five new children with multiple disabilities. For four children, the study involved an ABAB design. For the fifth child, only an AB sequence was used. All children succeeded in increasing their frequencies of step responses during the B (intervention) phase(s) of the study, although the overall frequencies of those responses varied largely across them. These findings support the positive evidence already available about the effectiveness of this intervention approach in motivating and promoting children''s ambulation. Practical implications of the findings are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To determine in an urban population in Turkey, the frequency of baby walker (BW) use, beliefs and attitudes of mothers regarding BWs, frequency of BW-related injuries and whether families receive counselling from their paediatricians about BWs or not. Methods: Children aged 2 months to 5 years who attended the well-child care clinics of Fatih University Hospital in Ankara comprised the sample. A semi-structured questionnaire was verbally administered. Results: Of 495 children, 75.4% was found to use BW. Female gender [odds ratio (OR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.19–2.78) and lower maternal education (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 1.18–0.74) were found to be associated with BW use. Frequencies of injuries associated with BWs were low (7.8%). Only 92 (18.6%) families received appropriate counselling by their paediatricians. Conclusion: The results of our study show that BW use is common in urban Turkey. Families are not informed about the lack of benefits and potential hazards of BWs and base reasons of using and not using on unique cultural beliefs rather than informed, evidence-based decisions. Paediatricians in Turkey and potentially other countries require information about the need for counselling families about the hazards associated with BW use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Upper extremity (UE) joint kinetics during aided ambulation is an area of research that is not well characterized in the current literature. Biped UE joints are not anatomically designed to be weight bearing, therefore it is important to quantify UE kinetics during assisted gait. This will help to better understand the biomechanical implications of UE weight bearing, and enable physicians to prescribe more effective methods for treatment and therapy, perhaps minimizing excessive loads and torques. To address this challenge, an UE model that incorporates both kinematics and kinetics has been developed for use with walkers instrumented with load cells. In this study, the UE joint kinetics are calculated for 10 children with cerebral palsy using both anterior and posterior walkers. Three-dimensional joint reaction forces and moments are fully characterized for the wrist, elbow, and shoulder (glenohumeral) joints for both walker types. Statistical analysis methods are used to quantify the differences in forces or moments between the two walker types. Comparisons showed no significant differences in kinetic joint parameters between walker types. Results from a power analysis of the current data are provided which may be useful for planning longer term clinical studies. If risk factors for UE joint pathology can be identified early, perhaps a change in gait training routine, walker prescription, or walker design could prevent further harm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of studies using programs with treadmills or walkers with microswitches and contingent stimulation to foster locomotor behavior of children with developmental disabilities. Twenty-six studies were identified in the period 2000–2008 (i.e., the period in which research in this area has actually taken shape). Twenty-one of the studies involved the use of treadmills (i.e., 13 were aimed at children with cerebral palsy, 6 at children with Down syndrome, and 2 at children with Rett syndome or cerebellar ataxia). The remaining five studies concerned the use of walkers with microswitches and contingent stimulation with children with multiple disabilities. The outcomes of the studies tended to be positive but occasional failures also occurred. The outcomes were analyzed considering the characteristics of the approaches employed, the implications of the approaches for the participants’ overall functioning situation (development), as well as methodological and practical aspects related to those approaches. Issues for future research were also examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This prospective study analyzes the upper extremity kinematics of 10 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy using anterior and posterior walkers. Although both types of walkers are commonly prescribed by clinicians, no quantitative data comparing the two in regards to upper extremity motion has been published. The study methodology included testing of each subject with both types of walkers in a motion analysis laboratory after an acclimation period of at least 1 month. Overall results showed that statistically, both walkers are relatively similar. With both anterior and posterior walkers, the shoulders were extended, elbows flexed, and wrists extended. Energy expenditure, walking speed and stride length was also similar with both walker types. Several differences were also noted although not statistically significant. Anterior torso tilt was reduced with the posterior walker and shoulder extension and elbow flexion were increased. Outcomes analysis indicated that differences in upper extremity torso and joint motion were not dependent on spasticity or hand dominance. These findings may help to build an understanding of upper extremity motion in walker-assisted gait and potentially to improve walker prescription. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the study that determines the compliance of ambulant children with cerebral palsy using different types of walkers or elbow crutches in India. The ability to ambulate is an urgent and insistent necessity in the case of a child in the country. Furthermore, the attrition rates for use of assistive devices by cerebral palsied children at hospitals are high. After an initial period of consistent usage, children and their parents prefer to use hand-holding assistance or assistance of furniture and other immovable articles instead of the prescribed devices.

Purpose. To evaluate a walking device, the David Hart Walker Orthosis (HW), that was designed to allow children with severe cerebral palsy to ambulate with hands-free support.Method. A pre-/post-test prospective one-group study evaluated outcomes three years after receiving the HW. Physical therapy assessment, parent interview and satisfaction questionnaire provided details on outcomes.Results. The HW remained the sole walking device for 13 of 20 children at 3 years. Six of seven children who discontinued use were over 12 years old and had outgrown its maximum size. Twelve of 13 children who still used the HW were assessed. GMFM Stand and Walk Dimension mean score increases of about 3% points for the 1 – 3-year follow-up were not significant (P > 0.16). Timed walk scores were unchanged. Steering ability gains were demonstrated on a directional mobility assessment (from 12.0 to 27.9% [P = 0.02]). Despite its eventual height limitations, parents considered HW use to be worthwhile (mean satisfaction = 8.2/10).Conclusions. Sixty-five percent of the children continued to use the HW as their sole walking device, and demonstrated improved ability overall to manoeuvre it during functional ambulation. The primary reason for discontinuation was inability to accommodate taller children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores whether the use of infant walkers can affect the onset of walking. Locomotor development; Quality of walking and cognitive development; Occurrence of accidents in infants using walkers.

Presents letters about a variety of topics from readers of the 'British Medical Journal.' Blood transfusions; Sleep-related road crashes; Associations between the use of babywalkers and the delay in reaching motor milestones by infants; Randomized trials in surgery; Others.

Abstract. In a study of 49 children between the ages of 8 and 14 months, parents were surveyed with a written questionnaire and a follow-up phone interview to determine the utilization of baby walkers and the frequency and severity of baby walker injuries. Most respondents (86%) placed their children in various types of baby walkers between 4 months and I year of age. Half of the 42 infants who used walkers experienced at least one accident involving a tip over, a fall down stairs, or finger entrapment. Two of those accidents resulted in injuries serious enough to require medical management. Both infants sustained head and neck injuries after falling down stairs in a walker. Whereas stairway and finger entrapment accidents occurred before the age of 7 months, tip overs were much more likely to occur after the age of 8 months. Injuries are more common but less severe than previously reported. Pediatricians and other child health advocates can inform parents about the health risks, encourage regulatory agencies to improve product labeling, and stimulate manufacturers to adjust the product to age and weight specifications of the growing infant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT. In 1999, an estimated 8800 children younger than 15 months were treated in hospital emergency departments in the United States for injuries associated with infant walkers. Thirty-four infant walker-related deaths were reported from 1973 through 1998. The vast majority of injuries occur from falls down stairs, and head injuries are common. Walkers do not help a child learn to walk; indeed, they can delay normal motor and mental development. The use of warning labels, public education, adult supervision during walker use, and stair gates have all been demonstrated to be insufficient strategies to prevent injuries associated with infant walkers. To comply with the revised voluntary standard (ASTM F977-96), walkers manufactured after June 30, 1997, must be wider than a 36-in doorway or must have a braking mechanism designed to stop the walker if 1 or more wheels drop off the riding surface, such as at the top of a stairway. Because data indicate a considerable risk of major and minor injury and even death from the use of infant walkers, and because there is no clear benefit from their use, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a ban on the manufacture and sale of mobile infant walkers. If a parent insists on using a mobile infant walker, it is vital that they choose a walker that meets the performance standards of ASTM F977-96 to prevent falls down stairs. Stationary activity centers should be promoted as a safer alternative to mobile infant walkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an abstract of the research study `Parental Decisions to Use Infant Walkers,' by Miriam E. Bar-on et al presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 1997 annual meeting.

Explains the association between head injuries, visual loss, and infant walker use. Terson's syndrome; Ocular trauma related to the use of infant walkers.

The article reports on the upholding of the baby walker ban by the government in Canada.

Comments on a study about injuries related to baby-walkers. Speculations on unreported and untreated walker injuries; Role of regulatory agencies.