Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults
Published on: November 7, 2014
Gait parameters in children with motor disabilities using an electronic walkway system: assessment of reliability
Valerie C Wondra1, Kenneth H Pitetti, Michael W Beets
1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Wichita State University, Kansas 67260-0152, USA.
Insights
This study found that temporal-spatial gait parameters measured by the GAITRite system are reliable in children with motor disabilities, whether barefoot or using shoes and orthoses.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Motor Control
Background:
- Gait analysis is crucial for assessing motor function in children.
- Instrumented walkway systems offer objective gait measurements.
- Reliability of these systems in pediatric populations with motor disabilities needs validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability of temporal-spatial gait parameters in children with motor disabilities.
- To compare reliability between barefoot conditions and conditions with shoes and orthoses.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen children (mean age 6.8 years, GMFCS levels I-III) participated.
- Gait parameters were measured using the GAITRite Walkway System.
- Parameters included velocity, cadence, stance time, stride length, base width, and cycle time.
Main Results:
- Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for single and three-trial averages met the reliability criterion of 0.80.
- The GAITRite system demonstrated good reliability for temporal-spatial gait parameters in this group.
Conclusions:
- The GAITRite system is a reliable tool for assessing gait in children with motor disabilities.
- Further research with larger cohorts and diverse populations is recommended.
Purpose:
The study was designed to determine the reliability of temporal-spatial gait parameters in children with motor disabilities in two conditions: bare foot and with shoes and orthoses.
Subjects:
: Nineteen children (mean age of 6.8 years) with Gross Motor Functional Classification System levels I-III participated.
Methods:
Participants walked over the GAITRite(R) Walkway System and gait velocity (cm/sec), cadence (steps/min), stance time (% gait cycle), stride length (cm), base width (cm), and cycle time (sec) were evaluated.
Results:
The single and three-trial average relative reliability estimates of the intraclass correlation coefficients met the minimum reliability coefficient criteria of 0.80.
Conclusion:
This was an initial attempt to evaluate the reliability of an instrumented walkway system. Further study should include more participants and address age, functional limitations, diagnoses, and use of assistive devices.
