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Wave pattern of ground reaction force of growing children
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Crippled Children, Shizuoka, Japan.
Insights
Children
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Gait Analysis
Background:
- Understanding typical childhood gait development is crucial for identifying developmental abnormalities.
- Ground Reaction Force (GRF) analysis provides detailed insights into gait dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the wave patterns and temporal-spatial parameters of free gait in children aged 4-10 years.
- To establish normative data for pediatric GRF during walking.
Main Methods:
- Utilized large force plates to measure GRF components (fore-aft, medial-lateral, vertical) in 241 children.
- Computerized normalization of GRF waves and analysis of nine specific wave points.
- Measured time and distance parameters of gait.
Main Results:
- Significant developmental changes in gait parameters were observed up to approximately 8 years of age.
- Established normative GRF wave patterns and temporal-spatial data for children.
Conclusions:
- The study provides essential control data for pediatric GRF.
- Findings are valuable for the clinical evaluation of pathological gaits in children.
Abstract:
We studied the free gait of children by analyzing the wave pattern of the ground reaction force (GRF) and measuring time and distance parameters using large force plates. Two hundred and forty-one normal children, age 4-10 years, were included. Normalized waves of each subject were obtained by computer. Waves are composed of fore-aft, medial-lateral, and vertical components. We took nine specific points on these waves and analyzed the values of specific points and time and distance measurements. We found significant changes of these parameters up to approximately 8 years of age. These findings serve as GRF control data and are useful in evaluating pathological gaits.