Article source: Your Therapy Source

Recent research examined the relationship between idiopathic toe walking and ADHD. Idiopathic toe walking was defined as a gait pattern with no contact between the heels and the ground in children older than three years. The study included 312 children diagnosed with ADHD, with a normal neurological examination, with no alterations in MRI scan, cognitive disorder, or autism. A complete medical history and goniometric measurements were obtained for each of the participants (mean age 11 years old, 73.7% boys). The participants were classified according to ADHD subtypes:

53.8% had ADHD combined subtype

44.9% had inattentive ADHD

1.3% had hyperactive ADHD

The results of the study on idiopathic toe walking and ADHD indicated the following:

Idiopathic toe walking was observed in 20.8% of patients, mostly in the combined subtype.

Achilles shortening was present in 49.2% of the participants with idiopathic toe walking.

Idiopathic toe walking was associated with sociability disorders, an absence of pain in legs, and a family history of toe walking.

11% of the participants had visited a doctor for toe walking.

The researchers concluded that children with ADHD have an increase in idiopathic toe walking and Achilles shortening, especially if they presented with a social communication disorder or a family history of toe walking. It is helpful when idiopathic toe walking is diagnosed early to begin effective treatments.

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