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

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Contemporary lifestyle factors disrupt normal gait development in elementary school children, impacting musculoskeletal health.
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Heavy school backpacks exceeding 10%-12% of body weight significantly alter children's gait biomechanics and postural control.
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Footwear characteristics, including sole flexibility and heel elevation, modify foot kinematics and joint mechanics in children.
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Childhood overweight and obesity lead to substantial changes in gait velocity, stride characteristics, and joint loading patterns.
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Multifaceted interventions addressing backpack loads, footwear, and obesity are essential for promoting healthy locomotor development.

Frontiers In Pediatrics

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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