Staying barefoot can improve children's motor skills



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London: Staying barefoot could improve children's motor skills like jumping and balancing compared to those who wear shoes all the time, according to a study.

However, children, especially those in the 11-14 age group, who wore shoes were generally performing better during the sprint test. The researchers explain that the environmental factor may have influenced this result.

"Our finding that these children were more successful in balancing and jumping supports the hypothesis that the development of basic motor skills during childhood and adolescence depends at least in part on 39, regular barefoot activities. Ranel Venter of Stellenbosch University, South Africa

"Barefoot walking is generally considered more natural, and the use of footwear has long been considered a factor influencing the health of children. feet and the development of movements ", adds Astrid Zech. For the study published in Frontiers in Paediatrics, the team evaluated three motor skills – balance, long jump and 20-meter sprint – in 810 participants aged six to 18 in rural areas. South Africa and urban areas of northern Germany.

The two groups were chosen to represent different lifestyles of the shoe. South Africa is usually barefoot, while children from Germany wear shoes most of the time.

Usually barefoot participants score significantly higher in balance and jump tests than usual participants

and sports programs and recreation activities aimed at improving basic motor skills could benefit from including barefoot activities. Parents could also encourage barefoot time at home, "Zech suggested.

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