You would’ve seen kids sitting on the floor with both feet pointing outwards and the legs bent out on both sides.
This sitting position is called the W position as the legs form a W shape when a child is sitting this way.
While the W sitting position shows the flexibility of the body of a child (which is a good thing), this specific sitting position is definitely not a good thing for children.
The negative consequences of sitting in the W position are not something that appears instantaneously.
However, making a habit of sitting continuously in this position for extended times can cause health and fitness complications in children.
Here are some of the reasons why this position is not good for sitting.
First of all, this sitting position can lead to muscle tightness. Muscles on the side of the hips become overly tightened and stretched when a child sits in this position for extended periods of time. Consequently, it becomes difficult for the child to balance their weight on one leg.
According to Orthopedic specialists, this sitting position can increase the chances of the child dislocating their hips.
Studies have found a relation between W sitting habit and a condition where standing up and walking are delayed irrespective of the child’s age. W sitting can even lead to the child having no left or right-hand preference as there is no trunk rotation.
Also, when a child is sitting in this position, there’s extreme stress on their hips and knees.
With the passage of time, sitting in this position will restrict the rotation of the hip joint and it will become increasingly difficult for the child to sit in other positions too.
The W position has an impact on the alignment of the thigh and the lower leg.
If a child continues to sit in this position and develops a habit out of it, the lower leg will tend to turn outwards and become stiff.
The lower leg ultimately gets used to extra-ordinary lateral rotational force, causing a condition known as tibial torsion.
How to break the habit?
You need to stop your child from sitting in this position and that would take some serious patience.
Guide the child physically and verbally. Every time you see your child sitting in the W position, remind them to change to lotus position or move to a chair.
Also, make sure they participate in sports and other physical activities.
Recommended Video For You!
“Body-Positive Teen With Rare Condition Challenges Beauty Standards”
[rumble video_id=veu0p domain_id=u7nb2]