Knee injuries in childhood and their long-term effects on motor development: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective This integrative literature review explores the relationship between knee injuries in children and their motor development. Methodology A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024 was conducted in databases such as PubMed. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies addressing knee injuries and motor development in children, published in English or Portuguese, and freely accessible. A total of 43 studies were included and analyzed thematically.

Results The findings indicate that knee injuries significantly impact motor development in children, with effects on gait, muscle strength, and joint stability. Factors such as hypermobility, surgical interventions, and rehabilitation strategies are critical in mitigating long-term developmental delays. Conclusion Proper diagnosis, early intervention, and targeted rehabilitation are essential to prevent long-term impairments in motor development. Future research should focus on optimizing intervention strategies.