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

To synthesize current evidence on how selected modern lifestyle factors influence gait biomechanics in elementary school-aged children (approximately 6–14 years), highlighting the implications for public health.

Approach:
    Key Findings:
    • Backpack loads exceeding 10%–12% of body weight alter spatiotemporal parameters, ground reaction forces, and postural control, which may lead to long-term musculoskeletal issues.
    • Footwear characteristics, including sole flexibility and heel elevation, modify foot kinematics and joint mechanics, potentially affecting overall gait efficiency.
    • Childhood overweight and obesity significantly change gait velocity, stride characteristics, joint loading patterns, and plantar pressures, increasing the risk of future locomotor dysfunction.
    Interpretation:

    The findings highlight the impact of contemporary lifestyle factors on children's gait biomechanics, suggesting the need for targeted interventions in schools to promote healthy musculoskeletal development.

    Limitations:
    • The review is limited to studies published since 2000 and may not encompass all relevant research, potentially overlooking earlier significant findings.
    • The heterogeneity in study designs and methodologies may affect the generalizability of the findings, and potential biases in the studies reviewed should be considered.
    Conclusion:

    Addressing modifiable lifestyle factors is essential for preventing long-term locomotor dysfunction in children, particularly through school health policies and community programs.

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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