Growth of segment parameters and a morphological classification for children between 15 and 36 months

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical analysis of human locomotion.
• Pediatric physical development and growth.
• Anthropometry and morphometric analysis.

Background:

• Understanding the development of independent walking in toddlers is crucial.
• Individual morphological differences and physical growth significantly influence motor development.
• Accurate morphometric and segment inertial parameters are essential for biomechanical modeling of toddler gait.

Purpose of the Study:

• To collect morphometric and segment inertial parameter data for toddlers aged 15-36 months.
• To analyze changes in these parameters relative to body length and mass.
• To develop a classification system for toddler morphotypes to aid in biomechanical research.

Main Methods:

• Collection of morphometric and segment inertial parameters from toddlers (15-36 months).
• Statistical analysis to identify changes in parameters with growth.
• Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to define key variables of physique variance.
• Development of a morphological classification system based on PCA axes.

Main Results:

• Significant changes in segment inertial parameters were observed with increasing body length and mass.
• PCA identified three primary axes of variation: 'Axis of chubbiness', 'Axis of allometric growth', and 'Axis of relative limb length'.
• A classification system resulting in eight distinct morphological classes was developed.

Conclusions:

• The collected dataset provides valuable data for locomotor biomechanical modeling in toddlers.
• The developed classification system effectively categorizes toddler morphotypes based on their segment inertial constitution.
• This classification enables more specific research into the relationship between morphology and walking patterns in young children.