Factors of modern lifestyle influencing gait pattern alterations in elementary school children: a mini review - Report - MDSpire

Factors of modern lifestyle influencing gait pattern alterations in elementary school children: a mini review

  • By

  • Mario Kasović

  • Sanja Musić Milanović

  • Damir Knjaz

  • Saša Janković

  • Goran Sporiš

  • Katarina Pavičić Dokoza

  • Tomáš Vespalec

  • Martin Sebera

  • Marta Gimunová

  • Tomislav Krističević

  • Goran Vrgoč

  • Dinko Vidović

  • Dario Novak

  • Dejan Blažević

  • Tihana Nemčić Bojić

  • Tanja Petrušič

  • Bruno Škrinjarić

  • Lenka Svobodová

  • Slaven Krtalić

  • Maja Lang Morović

  • Krešimir Hrg

  • Ana Starešinić

  • Bartol Vukelić

  • Anja Topolovec

  • Maja Flego Ostović

  • Ivana Olivari

  • Magda Bujan

  • Ljiljana Hanžek

  • Martina Čiček

  • Petra Vita Kasović

  • Fran Tisaj

  • Petra Čuljak

  • Mateja Očić

  • June 17, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Influences of Contemporary Lifestyle on Gait Changes in Children

Overview

This review highlights how contemporary lifestyle factors, including heavy backpack carriage, inappropriate footwear, and childhood obesity, significantly disrupt gait biomechanics in elementary school-aged children. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote healthy musculoskeletal development.

Background

Gait development in children is critical for establishing mature locomotor function, particularly during the sensitive period of elementary school years. However, modern lifestyle factors such as heavy backpacks, poor footwear choices, and rising obesity rates can adversely affect gait patterns, potentially leading to long-term musculoskeletal issues. Understanding these influences is essential for developing effective public health strategies.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Backpack loads exceeding 10%–12% of body weight alter spatiotemporal parameters and postural control.
  • Footwear characteristics, including sole flexibility and heel elevation, significantly modify foot kinematics and joint mechanics.
  • Childhood obesity leads to changes in gait velocity, stride characteristics, and joint loading patterns.
  • Multifaceted interventions are necessary to address these modifiable lifestyle factors.
  • Evidence suggests that proper backpack ergonomics and footwear can mitigate adverse gait alterations.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should advocate for appropriate backpack weight limits and ergonomic designs to prevent gait-related issues in children. Additionally, promoting proper footwear and addressing childhood obesity through public health initiatives can enhance musculoskeletal health during this critical developmental period.

Conclusion

The review emphasizes the significant impact of contemporary lifestyle factors on gait biomechanics in children, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to foster healthy locomotor development.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), 2026 -- Digital and Blended Lifestyle Interventions for Preschool-Aged Children and Families With a Low Socioeconomic Position and the General Population: Scoping Review
  2. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2025 -- Sex disparities in body composition trends among elementary school students based on grade
  3. Frontiers in Digital Health, 2026 -- Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of digital tools on step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in healthy children and adolescents
  4. MDPI, 2026 -- The Impact of Schoolbags on Postural Health in School-Aged Children: An Updated Systematic Review
  5. MDPI, 2026 -- Barefoot or Shod? The Impact of Footwear on Children’s Gait: A Systematic Review with an Exploratory Meta-Analysis
  6. JAMA Network Open — Cognitive Trajectories and Subsequent Accelerometer-Measured Movement Behavior in Older Adults
  7. The Impact of Schoolbags on Postural Health in School-Aged Children: An Updated Systematic Review | MDPI
  8. Barefoot or Shod? The Impact of Footwear on Children’s Gait: A Systematic Review with an Exploratory Meta-Analysis | MDPI
  9. Knee and ankle kinematics in schoolchildren with different body weights | BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Springer Nature Link

Original Source(s)

Factors of modern lifestyle influencing gait pattern alterations in elementary school children: a mini review

  • by Mario Kasović, Sanja Musić Milanović, Damir Knjaz, Saša Janković, Goran Sporiš, Katarina Pavičić Dokoza, Tomáš Vespalec, Martin Sebera, Marta Gimunová, Tomislav Krističević, Goran Vrgoč, Dinko Vidović, Dario Novak, Dejan Blažević, Tihana Nemčić Bojić, Tanja Petrušič, Bruno Škrinjarić, Lenka Svobodová, Slaven Krtalić, Maja Lang Morović, Krešimir Hrg, Ana Starešinić, Bartol Vukelić, Anja Topolovec, Maja Flego Ostović, Ivana Olivari, Magda Bujan, Ljiljana Hanžek, Martina Čiček, Petra Vita Kasović, Fran Tisaj, Petra Čuljak, Mateja Očić

  • June 17, 2026

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