Why the ‘W’ sitting position IS bad for children
- Avni Trivedi, a London-based osteopath, says the ‘W’ position weakens the hips
- She said that it may also overstretch the joints and weaken the trunk muscles
- But children who sit with their legs crossed may also be at risk of long-term pain
Stephen Matthews For Mailonline
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Have you ever noticed your child sat in the ‘W’ position while they are watching television?
Put simply, flat on their bottoms with their legs spread out to each side, knees bent and feet pointing outwards.
If you have – you should be worried as it could cause them a lifetime of pain, an expert has revealed.
Despite often being their preferred position, they should be encouraged into other ways of sitting, according to a London-based osteopath.
It has long been believed by scientists that it affects their development of leg joints and bones.
But now Avni Trivedi has confirmed the widespread belief – and explained the healthier alternatives they should be taught.
If you child sits in the so-called ‘W’ position, you should be worried as it could cause them a lifetime of pain, an expert has revealed
In fact, she told the Mirror Online that sitting down in any position could be described as a ‘new health epidemic’.
But in particular, the ‘W’ position can ‘put pressure on the developing joints of the lower body such as hips and knees’.
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She added: ‘Sitting for too long generally can place undue pressure on the neck, shoulders and upper back.
‘For children that may be hypermobile, sitting in the “W” position may overstretch the joints and can weaken the trunk muscles as they are not required to be active.’
A London-based osteopath said that sitting down in any position could be described as a ‘new health epidemic’
HOW SHOULD CHILDREN SIT?
According to Avni Trivedi, children should be encouraged to spend as much time on the ground as they physically can.
This allows them to maintain the natural flexibility they have in their hips and spine, she says.
Giving youngsters a pile of cushions to sit on may also help, allowing them to avoid the ‘W’ position.
However, children who sit with their legs crossed may also be at risk of long-term pain, she warned.
However, just a quick Google search can find an array of contrasting opinions about the position popular with youngsters.
Dr Jennifer Weiss, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles, previously said there is no issue for children to sit in the ‘W’ position.
In a piece for Today.com, she said: ‘There are plenty of other things to worry about with your children of that age.
‘They’re not going to change their alignment by sitting like that, they’re just responding to their natural anatomy.’
She added that there is absolutely no evidence that it will cause any future orthopedic problems.
However, if your child develops a limp or a pigeon-toed gait when walking then it may be best to seek medical advice.
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