This study investigates the relationship between different toilet sitting styles (squat vs. western) and their effects on ankle range of motion (ROM), constipation symptoms, and lower limb strength in school-going children aged 6-12 years. With increasing urbanization, the shift from traditional squat toilets to sitting toilets may influence children's musculoskeletal development and bowel health. Squatting involves greater ankle dorsiflexion and muscle activation, which may contribute to better lower limb strength and improved bowel function compared to sitting postures. A comparative cross-sectional design will be used, including participants from public and private schools. Data on toilet usage habits will be collected along with demographic information. Ankle ROM will be measured using a goniometer, lower limb strength will be assessed through the 1-minute sit-to-stand test and standing long jump, and constipation symptoms will be evaluated using the PAC-SYM questionnaire. Data analysis will be conducted using SPSS version 26. Ethical approval will be obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Riphah International University, Lahore.
This study aims to explore the correlation between different toilet sitting styles and their effects on ankle range of motion (ROM), constipation symptoms, and lower limb strength in school going children. With modernization and urbanization, there has been a significant shift from traditional squat toilets to western-style sitting toilets, especially in schools and households.This change in toileting posture may have a direct impact on musculoskeletal development and gastrointestinal health in growing children. Prolonged use of sitting toilets might limit the natural ankle dorsiflexion used during squatting and reduce muscle activation in the lower limbs, potentially contributing to strength limitations and altered bowel habits. The study intends to investigate whether habitual use of squat toilets promotes better ankle flexibility, stronger lower limbs, and fewer constipation-related symptoms in comparison to sitting toilet users. A comparative cross-sectional study design will be employed, targeting children aged 6 to 12 years from selected public and private schools. After obtaining informed consent from guardians and assent from children, demographic data will be collected along with their toilet usage history. Ankle ROM will be measured using a goniometer, while lower limb strengthwill be assessed using the 1 minute sit-to-stand test and estimated long standing jump testing.Constipation symptoms will be evaluated using the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaire. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version26.0.Descriptive statistics will be used to determine the association between toilet type and the selected outcome variables. The synopsis will be presented to the Research Ethical committee of Riphah International University, Lahore, for ethical approval to conduct this study.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
191
City District High School Lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
RECRUITINGGoniometer
A goniometer is a reliable tool used to measure ankle range of motion (ROM), including dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The axis is placed at the lateral malleolus, with arms aligned along the fibula and fifth metatarsal. Assessment is done in a seated or supine position\*\* with the knee flexed or extended.
Time frame: Baeline
1 Minute Sit-to-Stand Test
1-minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1-MSTST) is a simple and reliable test to assess lower limb strength and endurance in children. The participant sits on a standard chair with arms crossed and performs maximum sit-to-stand repetitions in 60 seconds. Each full stand and return to sitting is counted as one repetition. The total number of repetitions is recorded, showing \*\*high reliability in pediatric populations.
Time frame: Baeline
Standing Long Jump
The Standing Long Jump (SLJ), also known as the standing broad jump, is a field test used to evaluate explosive lower-limb power in children and adolescents. Participants start with both feet together just behind a marked line, execute a countermovement by flexing the knees and hips, swing their arms, and leap forward as far as possible, landing on both feet without falling backward. The distance from the take-off line to the back of the heel nearest the line is measured in centimeters. No shoes or minimal footwear are allowed to ensure consistency .Each participant performs two trials, and the longest valid jump is recorded as their score .Research including large pediatric samples confirms that the SLJ test exhibits excellent test-retest reliability.
Time frame: Baeline
Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) Questionnaire
The PAC-SYM (Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms) is a validated questionnaire used to assess constipation severity over the past two weeks. It includes 12 items covering abdominal, stool, and rectal symptoms, rated on a 5-point Likert scale (0-4). Scores indicate severity ranging from minimal to very severe symptoms.
Time frame: Baeline
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