Abstract
Quantifying sensory processing, postural control, motor skill development and participation in daily life in children with idiopathic toe walking (ITW) compared to children without ITW can inform standardized assessment and treatment of ITW.
Primary Author and Speaker: Debra Hines
Additional Authors and Speakers: Amy Armstrong-Heimsoth, Sarah A. Schoen
This study was designed to understand if idiopathic toe walking (ITW) was associated with impairments in sensory processing and postural control and to determine if children with ITW exhibit challenges in daily life participation. Research characterizing impairments in ITW is necessary to better target intervention. A nonrandomized, prospective case-control design was employed comparing children with ITW to those without ITW. The ITW group was recruited from a local clinic; the non-ITW group from the local community. Inclusion criteria for the ITW group consisted of 10 children ages 4-11 years with ITW and comorbidities of hypotonia, SPD, DCD, autism, ADHD, developmental delays, or lack of coordination. Inclusion criteria for the non-ITW group consisted of 10 typical walkers, ages 4-11 with no known diagnoses. Data were collected utilizing a variety of METHOD: the MatScan System (tekscan.com/products-solutions/systems/matscan) was used to analyze the distribution of body weight on the foot, the NeuroCom System (NeuroCom, 2004) was used to assess equilibrium and sensory domains engaged in balance using computerized dynamic posturography, activities from the Clinical Observations Based on Sensory Integration Theory Manual (Blanche, 2010) were used to reflect sensory-motor abilities and a parent survey captured the effects of ITW on participation in daily life. Differences were found in forefoot/rearfoot weight bearing, balance, and sensory-motor tasks between ITW and non-ITW groups with equilibrium and vestibular processing more compromised in the toe-walking group. Parents of children who were toe walkers reported greater participation challenges, particularly in social interaction at school, self-care, and completing chores at home. This study adds to the growing body of literature on toe walking and suggests that a comprehensive intervention program that includes orthopedic consultation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy is warranted.
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The MatScan System is used by clinicans and researchers to: (2023, March 3). Retrieved from www.tekscan.com/products-solutions/systems/matscan
McHugh, J. J., Baxter, M. F., Chang, P.-F., & Mitchell, K. (2021). Idiopathic toe walking and postural instability: The next step. Annals of International Occupational Therapy, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.3928/24761222-20200811-02