Walkers are one of the devices that some parents use to train their children to move early, yet the use of the treadmill has raised many questions and controversy between doctors and specialists in the field of children’s health, and in this report, we will discuss whether the treadmill is a danger to children, the possible damage to its use, and what are the appropriate alternatives to develop the child’s motor skills?
What is a treadmill?
It is a device that contains a base with wheels and a surface to install the child, so that it can move easily by pushing his feet and some parents believe that the treadmill may help their children learn walking faster, but this idea may be inaccurate, according to many recent studies.
Possible damage to walking
Increased risk of falling and injuries:
One of the most prominent damages that can result from the use of a treadmill is an increased risk of falling and injuries, as the design of the treadmill allows children to move more quickly than their ability to move, which increases the possibility of colliding with furniture or falling from stairs.
Disabled natural kinetic development:
Experts believe that the use of a treadmill may hinder the normal development of the child. When using a treadmill, the child may be able to move before he can support his body weight appropriately, which can negatively affect the development of muscle strength and the ability to control movements, as the child who depends on the treadmill may be delayed in developing other mobility skills such as crawling or sitting stable.
Impact on major motor skills:
Using the treadmill may hinder the child’s learning of physical balance and acquire major motor skills such as standing and walking. Children who use the treadmill may depend on the device excessively, which leads to delaying the development of natural motor coordination.
Click on the joints of the legs and hips:
The treadmill can lead to an abnormal position for the child during his movement, causing excessive pressure on the joints of the legs and hips and this abnormal position may affect the growth of the joints and cause future problems.
What studies say about the treadmill?
According to many medical studies, doctors have found that the treadmill does not enhance the child’s ability to walk faster, but on the contrary, this development may delay and in some countries, the use of walkers has been banned due to concerns related to safety and natural growth for children.
Safe alternatives to developing the child’s motor skills
Instead of using the treadmill, there are several safe and natural ways to enhance the child’s ability to walk and develop his motor skills
Encouraging crawling as crawling is a natural stage in the development of the child, as it helps in strengthening the muscles of the arms and legs and by encouraging the child to crawl on the ground, you can help him build muscle strength and balance naturally.
The use of interactive games. Games that encourage the child to stand and balance without the need to use a treadmill, such as games that attract his attention and encourage him to stand or move a little from his place, are excellent alternatives.
Being on the ground with the child by spending time with him, he can enhance his motor development by encouraging him to move in a safe and flexible environment.
Using alternative tools. If you want to help your child learn to stand or walk, you can use tools such as vehicles that can be paid, which enhances balance without being at risk of falling.
