Do "Shufflebottoms" bottom shuffle?

AIMS To investigate anecdotal evidence that the name "Shufflebottom" originates from the dominantly inherited characteristic of bottom shuffling. METHODS A questionnaire based retrospective study to determine the incidence of bottom shuffling and age of first walking among those named "Shufflebottom" and a control population, of those named "Walker". RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference in incidence of bottom shuffling or age at first walking, between the two groups. The incidence of bottom shuffling (21.4%) was generally higher than has been described previously and Walkers were more likely to walk later than Shufflebottoms. CONCLUSION Shufflebottoms are no more likely to bottom shuffle than other children. The origin of the surname as representing this physical characteristic cannot be confirmed.