Citation

Engelbert RH, van Empelen R, Scheurer ND, Helders PJM, van Nieuwenhuizen O. Eur. J. Paediatr. Neurol. 1999; 3(6): 273-275.

Affiliation

Department of Paediatric Physical Therapy, University Hospital for Children and Youth, Utrecht, The Netherlands. r.engelbert@wkz.azu.nl

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10595672

Abstract

We discuss two patients, who used an infant walker during the period in which they learned to walk. The influence on qualitative and quantitative motor development is illustrated in this report. A disharmonic and delayed motor development, contractures of the calf-muscles and motor development mimicking spastic diplegia are considered to be caused by the early use of infant walkers. As illustrated by the literature, infant walkers do not have any positive effect on improving motor development. Vulnerability of infants with regards to accidents is increased. In our opinion, the use of infant-walkers should be discouraged.