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Differences in ankle range of motion between pre-walking and walking infants
Sarah Wong1, Louise Ada, Jane Butler
1Kandang Kerbau Hospital, Singapore.
The Australian Journal of Physiotherapy
|October 26, 2001
Summary
Passive ankle dorsiflexion range decreases significantly as infants transition from pre-walking to new-walking stages. This finding is crucial for understanding motor development and assessing infants with disabilities.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
Background:
- Passive ankle dorsiflexion range naturally decreases from approximately 60 degrees in neonates to 20 degrees in adults.
- This reduction is associated with maturation and motor development, but its specific relation to early motor milestones requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the reduction in passive ankle dorsiflexion and motor development in infants.
- To compare passive ankle dorsiflexion in infants who are pre-walking versus those who are newly walking.
Main Methods:
- Collected ankle angle and force data during passive ankle dorsiflexion.
- Studied two groups of infants: 14 pre-walkers and 12 new-walkers.
Main Results:
- Passive ankle dorsiflexion decreased by an average of 6.6 degrees.
- Mean ankle dorsiflexion was 45 degrees in pre-walkers and 38 degrees in new-walkers.
Conclusions:
- A normative decrease in passive ankle dorsiflexion occurs between the pre-walking and new-walking stages.
- This data can guide the assessment and monitoring of ankle function in infants, particularly those with disabilities.