Efficacy of Non-Nutritive Sucking (NNS) on Balance and Gait Measured in 12-42 Month-Old Healthy Children Over 36 Months

Launched by BAMBINO GESÙ HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE · Jan 9, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether non-nutritive sucking (NNS), like sucking on a pacifier or thumb, can help improve balance and walking skills in healthy children aged 12 to 42 months. The research aims to provide clearer information about the benefits and possible risks of NNS, as there has been a lot of confusion and differing opinions on when children should stop these habits. Parents often feel pressured to have their children give up sucking, despite its potential benefits, such as reducing crying and helping with sleep.

To be eligible for the trial, children must be healthy and between 12 and 42 months old, and they should have a history of prolonged NNS. However, children with certain medical conditions, like specific facial abnormalities or swallowing difficulties, cannot participate. Families who join the study can expect to be followed for three years to see how NNS affects their child's balance and walking. This study is actively recruiting participants, so it's a great opportunity for families interested in contributing to important research on this topic.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion criteria
• • • Healthy boys and girls ranging in age from 12 to 42 months who tended to prolong NNS.
• • Exclusion criteria
• • Children with craniofacial malformations or with a known or clinically suspected genetic syndrome (for example Down syndrome);
• • Children with atypical swallowing for example tongue interposition, or dysphagia during swallowing caused by tongue interposition;
• • Children who already have mixed dentition.