A normative sample of temporal and spatial gait parameters in children using the GAITRite electronic walkway

The purpose of this study was to develop a normative sample of temporal and spatial gait parameters for children (ages 1-10 years) using the GAITRite electronic walkway. Reliability of the GAITRite for assessing gait in children is similar to its reliability in adults. Normative temporal and spatial gait parameters have not been published using the GAITRite limiting clinicians and researchers ability to compare children to a large normative sample.

A total of 438 children (1-10 years) completed two walks of at least three steps each at a self-selected speed. The mean velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, heel to heel base of support, double support, and toe in/out angle for each age group was calculated.

Mean self selected velocity ranged from 82.05+/-25.28 to 133.63+/-15.44cm/s with the largest variability in subjects under 7 years of age. Cadence decreased with increasing age. Step length and stride length increased with age. Heel to heel base of support remained relatively constant between age groups with a mean of 8.77+/-2.74cm. Toe in/out angle was extremely variable for all age groups.

Developmental patterns of temporal and spatial gait parameters assessed using the GAITRite are similar to those reported in previous studies. However, the mean values for each age group differ slightly from previous gait study results. The normative data presented in this study will be useful to clinicians and researchers using the GAITRite electronic walkway to evaluate clinical populations. Data derived from other gait assessment tools and methods may not be a valid comparison to the values calculated using the GAITRite.