Vibration Perception Thresholds in Children With Idiopathic Toe Walking Gait

This study investigated the vibration perception differences between children with an idiopathic toe walking gait and their non–toe walking peers. Sixty children, between the ages of four and eight years, were grouped into an idiopathic toe walking group and non–toe walking group. Vibration perception threshold was assessed at the right hallux. A highly significant difference in the vibration perception threshold between the groups was determined. The idiopathic toe walking group demonstrated a lower vibration perception threshold (P = .001), indicating this group was highly sensitive to vibration input. This change in vibration perception could be symptomatic of physiological changes in the localized receptors within the skin or at a neural perception level. Heightened sensitivity to touch has not yet been explored with children who have an idiopathic toe walking gait. This finding could assist in understanding this gait pattern and allow further research into improved treatment options.