The association between hyperactivity and ITW
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The association between hyperactivity and idiopathic toe walking: a cross sectional study
IRAS ID
142691
Contact name
Yael Gelfer
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 10 days
Research summary
Toe walking is a bilateral gait disorder and a common childhood presentation to an orthopaedic surgeon. In the absence of neurological, orthopaedic or developmental abnormality it is referred to as idiopathic toe walking (ITW). There is a higher prevalence of ITW in children with autism and speech and language disorders, and more recently an association with between ITW and cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders has been made. As far as we are aware no large scale studies have attempted to assess the association hyperactivity and ITW. This association if ascertained is a significant one both in terms of understanding the disease and in terms of management.
This study aims to test the hypothesis of an association between ITW and hyperactivity, which has been noted to exist in clinical practice by the senior author. This is a cross sectional study, with the sample population including all patients in the region who are known to have been diagnosed, treated or followed up for ITW. Psychological domains will be measured using the Strength and Difficulties questionnaire, which will be completed by the parents or carers. It is a well published screening tool which asses 25 attributes of behaviour. Norms for the general population are known. All patients will be handed an information sheet and will need to sign a consent form for participation. Following analysis of the questionnaire the patients and their GP will be contacted, informed of the findings and offered follow up in clinics if and as indicated. The results of the study will be submitted to a peer reviewed journal and will be presented at a paediatric orthopaedic conference.REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1061
Date of REC Opinion
2 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion