Toilet posture (squat vs sitting) and its link to ankle flexibility, leg strength, and constipation in children.
Correlation Of Different Toilet Sitting On Ankle Range Of Motion, Constipation And Lower Limb Strength In School Going Children
Riphah International University · NCT07576491
This study will test whether using a squat toilet versus a sitting toilet affects ankle movement, lower‑limb strength, and constipation symptoms in schoolchildren aged 6–12.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 191 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07576491 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a cross‑sectional comparison of schoolchildren aged 6–12 who habitually use either squat or sitting toilets. Researchers will collect toilet‑use history and demographic data, measure ankle range of motion with a goniometer, test lower‑limb strength using the 1‑minute sit‑to‑stand and standing long jump estimates, and record constipation symptoms using the PAC‑SYM questionnaire. Participants will be recruited from schools in Lahore with informed guardian consent and child assent, and all testing will be performed in person. Results will analyze correlations between habitual toileting posture and musculoskeletal and bowel‑health measures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Schoolchildren aged 6–12 who are normally developing, consistently use either squat or sitting toilets, and can perform simple physical tests are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with recent abdominal or lower‑limb surgery, neurological or developmental conditions affecting toilet independence, chronic GI disorders, those using both toilet types, or taking medications that affect bowel movements are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this comparison.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could guide toilet design or toileting habits that improve ankle mobility, leg strength, and bowel function in children.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown squatting can ease defecation mechanics, but few studies have directly linked habitual toilet posture to ankle mobility or leg strength in children, so this comparative approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Students age group: 6-12 year. * Both male and female groups * Normal developing children * Children who have been using either sitting or squatting toilet type . * Children's who are willing to participate and perform functional tasks. Exclusion Criteria: Children with abdominal surgery * Children with lower limb surgery * Children with acute or chronic disease like irritable bowel syndrome * Children using both toilet postures * Children with neurological or developmental delays affecting toilet independence like Cerebral Palsy and autism. * Children on medications that affect bowel movement (e.g., laxatives, opioid)
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- City District High School Lahore — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ayisha Sana, MS-PT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Children, Only, Squatting Position, Ankle Joint, Lower Extremity Strength, Constipation, Posture