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Changes in foot-function parameters during the first 5 months after the onset of independent walking: a longitudinal
Ann Hallemans1, Dirk De Clercq, Stefaan Van Dongen
1Laboratory for Functional Morphology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium. ann.hallemans@ua.ac.be
Insights
Early walking development shows improved balance and foot-contact patterns within weeks. However, mature foot loading takes longer to develop, indicating distinct developmental timelines for different aspects of foot function.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Development
- Motor Control
Background:
- Independent walking in toddlers is a critical developmental milestone.
- Understanding the evolution of foot function during early ambulation is crucial for identifying developmental trajectories.
- Previous research has focused on later stages of gait development, leaving early adaptations less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the temporal changes in various foot-function parameters during the initial 20 weeks of independent walking in toddlers.
- To investigate the relationship between the development of balance, assessed by center of pressure (COP) oscillations, and foot roll-over patterns.
- To examine the progression of plantar load distribution during this early developmental period.
Main Methods:
- Foot-function parameters, including foot-contact patterns, COP oscillations, peak pressures, relative vertical impulses, and foot shape indices, were measured.
- Data were collected from 10 toddlers at multiple time points: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, and 20 weeks post-onset of independent walking.
- Statistical analysis was employed to identify significant changes in the measured parameters over time.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in foot-contact patterns and a reduction in center of pressure (COP) oscillations, indicating enhanced balance.
- Decreased COP oscillations correlated with observable changes in the foot roll-over pattern, suggesting an early emergence of a heel-to-toe progression.
- No significant changes were detected in the distribution of load across the plantar surface of the foot, implying slower maturation of foot loading.
Conclusions:
- The development of a mature heel-to-toe foot roll-over pattern begins surprisingly early, within the first few months of independent walking.
- Improved balance, reflected in reduced COP oscillations, is closely linked to these early changes in foot mechanics.
- Maturation of plantar pressure distribution and load distribution develops at a considerably slower pace compared to motor control and foot roll-over patterns.
Abstract:
Foot-function parameters (foot-contact patterns, oscillations of the centre of pressure (COP), peak pressures, relative vertical impulses and foot shape indices) were characterized in 10 toddlers at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20 weeks after the onset of independent walking. Significant changes were found in foot-contact patterns and COP oscillations. Improvements in balance, reflected in the decreased oscillations of the COP, coincided with changes in foot roll-over. These findings suggest that the development of a "heel-to-toe" roll-over pattern after 1 year of walking already starts early after the onset of independent walking. We could not identify any changes in load distribution underneath the plantar surface of the foot, suggesting that maturation of foot loading develops at a slower pace.
