Neurodevelopment in preschool idiopathic toe-walkers.

Abstract Introduction Idiopathic toe walking, a differential diagnosis for neurological and orthopaedic disorders, has been associated with neurodevelopmental alterations. Neurodevelopmental assessment at early ages using specific tests may improve management and follow-up of these patients. The aim of our study is to analyse the neurodevelopmental characteristics of preschool idiopathic toe-walkers (ITW) by comparing them to a control group. Method Our descriptive cross-sectional study compared possible risk factors, neurodevelopmental characteristics, and scores on the Child Neuropsychological Maturity Questionnaire (CUMANIN) between a group of 56 ITWs aged 3-6 and a control group including 40 children. Results The proportion of males was significantly higher in the ITW group ( P  = .008). The percentage of patients with a family history ( P  = .000) and biological risk factors during the perinatal period ( P  = .032) was also higher in this group. According to the parents’ reports, motor coordination in ITWs was significantly poorer (59%; P  = .009). ITWs scored significantly lower on CUMANIN subscales of psychomotricity ( P  = .001) and memory ( P  = .001), as well as in verbal development ( P  = .000), non-verbal development ( P  = .026), and overall development ( P  = .004). Foot preference was less marked in the ITW group ( P  = .047). Conclusions The neurodevelopmental characteristics of our sample suggest that idiopathic toe walking is a marker of neurodevelopmental impairment. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.