Is idiopathic toe walking a symptom of sensory processing dysfunction?
2011
Is Toe Walking Linked to Sensory Processing Issues?
Sample size: 30
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Cylie Williams, Paul Tinley, Michael Curtin
Primary Institution: Charles Sturt University
Hypothesis
Is idiopathic toe walking a symptom of sensory processing dysfunction?
Conclusion
Children with idiopathic toe walking show differences in sensory processing compared to their peers with typical gait.
Supporting Evidence
- Children with an ITW gait have lower vibration perception thresholds.
- There is a preponderance of left-handedness among children with ITW.
- Children who toe walked scored lower in fine motor and balance tasks.
- Parents reported excitement and anxiousness as triggers for ITW.
Takeaway
Some kids walk on their toes because their brains process sensations differently than other kids.
Methodology
Participants were assessed using various tests including the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test and the Sensory Profile.
Limitations
The study has only tested 33 children so far.
Participant Demographics
30 children with idiopathic toe walking and 30 peers with typical gait.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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