Visual deprivation leads to gait adaptations that are age- and context-specific: II. Kinematic parameters

Significant differences exist between eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions in postural sway, self-selected dimensionless walking speed and duration of double support in both children and adults. The decrease in speed could be attributed to a decrease in dimensionless stride length. The question remains whether the slower gait is a reflection of fundamental changes in movement control in the absence of vision or it results from uncertainty or fear of falling. Studying the differences in foot and ankle kinematics between the two conditions may provide further information. In this study we compare the impact of visual deprivation on joint kinematics during locomotion in adults and children. Visual deprivation had a significant effect on the gait pattern of healthy children and adults. Differences included a more backward leaning position of the trunk, limited movement in the pelvis, reduced hip adduction during stance, increased flexion of the knee related to flat foot contact and reduced ankle plantar flexion at push-off. These differences indicate a more cautious walking strategy in the absence of vision, probably resulting from postural control problems. Although age also had a significant effect on gait in both EO and EC conditions, adults and children show little differences in their kinematic response to blindfolding.