W-sitting is a common position in children's play, where they sit with their bottom on the floor, knees bent, and feet splayed out. This position increases trunk stability and reduces postural control, making it suitable for children with poor trunk stability or strength. The reason for W-sitting may be due to the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR), a retained primitive reflex.
W-sitting is a common sign of a child's retained primitive reflex, which can lead to orthopedic conditions, gross motor delays, and weakness in the back, hips, and legs. This posture fixes the upper torso, limiting the child's ability to rotate and cross arms, and reaches for objects with the closest hand.
This interferes with bilateral integration and normal hand dominance, slowing the child's sense of balance. Strengthening the abdomen and back is crucial for better coordination, vestibular system, visual planning, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills.