No one disputes that fetal sucking in the womb is a natural human right. Available information on whether, how and when to stop children's sucking habits comes from popular cultural misunderstandings and lack of sound evidence-based results. Because Western countries regard thumb or pacifier (dummy) sucking after a given age as a shameful habit, parents feel stressed, anxious and even guilty for being unable to induce their children to stop non-nutritive sucking (NNS) habits or drag their unwilling child off the soothing-devices, such as pacifiers. Pacifier sucking substantially decreases the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome, reduces pain and crying, and prolongs sleeping time. Of major interest is the hypothesis that NNS improves proprioceptive and exteroceptive development including gait in big mammals (rhesus monkeys). Despite these benefits, available information claims the possible risks induced by prolonging NNS, including psychological shortfall, delayed language skills or dental problems. Despite these claims, authoritative clinical organizations worldwide reach no consensus on the appropriate age at which NNS habits should be stopped. Prompted by conflicting information from primary studies and reviews designed to balance the benefits and risks of NNS habits, our aim in this pilot open randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to test the efficacy of NNS in improving balance and gait in children enrolled at 12-42 months and followed for three years.
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Children's postural balance force plates measured in millimeters.
Timeframe: Changes in postural balance assessed from date of enrollment up to 36-months.
Children's dynamic gait frequency assessed in steps/6-minute walking test.
Timeframe: Changes in gait frequency assessed from date of enrollment up to 36-months.
Children's step speed measured in meters/6-minute walking test.
Timeframe: Changes in step speed assessed from date of enrollment up to 36-months.
Children's falls assessed as number of falls/6-minute walking test.
Timeframe: Changes in number of falls assessed from date of enrollment up to 36-months.