The shape of disposable diaper affects spontaneous movements of lower limbs in young infants

Abstract

This study examined the characteristics of young infants’ lower limb spontaneous movements based on differences in shape of diapers. Twenty-seven healthy infants (103 ± 16.3 days old) were enrolled in this study. We measured the spontaneous movements of their lower limbs in four conditions (Naked, wearing Normal type diapers, wearing Type A diapers, and wearing Type B diapers). The Normal diaper has a wider waist belt than the Type A diaper, and the Type B diaper has a narrower crotch area than the Type A diaper. We observed them in seven indices (the velocity of lower limb movements, the trajectory area of knee movement in the sagittal plane and the frontal plane, the distance between both knees and between side of abdomen and knee, and correlation of velocities between side of abdomen and knee and between left and right ankles). The results showed that the velocity of the lower limb movements in the Naked condition was higher than when wearing Normal diapers. The value for the trajectory area of knee movement in sagittal plane, which reflects the range of lower leg lifting movements and closeness of such movements to the trunk, for the Type B diaper condition was higher than that for the Normal diaper condition. This result indicates that the shape of the diaper affects the spontaneous movements of the lower limbs of young infants.

Effect of wearing diapers on toddler’s gait

“…The relationship between wearing diapers and gait parameters in toddlers based on the aforementioned results suggests that wearing diapers may lead to unstable and inefficient gait patterns. This is consistent with previous studies reporting that wearing diapers has an adverse effect on the development of lower limb movements in infants 17 , 18 , 24 . In addition, our study is the first to reveal the joint dynamics when wearing diapers and the effect of different bulk stresses on lower limb gait in toddlers.…”

“…Previous studies have reported that wearing a disposable diaper restrains an infant’s movements and mobility, thereby reducing the amount of their physical activity and restricting motor development. Gima et al demonstrated that the shape of the diaper affects the spontaneous movements of the lower limbs in young infants 17 . Additionally, Cole et al concluded that wearing diapers may decrease the gait proficiency in toddlers aged between 13 and 19 months 18 .…”

Diaper Use in Preterm Neonates: Effects on Skin, Musculoskeletal System, and Neurodevelopment

“…Due to the development of inappropriate postures and positions as a result of inappropriate diapers, premature babies are at risk for long-term developmental disorders of musculoskeletal deformities, including lower extremity movement disorders, postural disorders such as frog legs, and delayed gross motor function. 7,16,17 A flattened posture of the lower legs and hips, resulting in delays in walking and crawling, is of particular concern in the diaper area. When the newborn is positioned prone or supine, the flattened posture caused by excessive hip rotation gives a “frog-legged” image.…”

“…7,17 Interventions to prevent this event include reducing the angle of rotation of the hips and making the knees aligned through the use of positioning aids (Figure 2). 17…”

“…Gima et al 17 evaluated the effect of diaper use on infant lower extremity movement. This study compared the effect of using 3 diaper models on infant lower extremity movement and revealed that the combined effects of narrower waist and crotch belts could affect an infant’s lower limb in terms of trajectory area of movements.…”