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Anterior versus posterior walkers: a gait analysis study
L Logan1, K Byers-Hinkley, C D Ciccone
1Special Children's Center, Inc., Ithaca, New York.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Posterior walkers significantly improved gait and posture in children needing mobility aids. This study compared anterior and posterior walkers, finding the posterior type superior for ambulation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Children with mobility impairments often require assistive devices like walkers.
- Anterior and posterior walkers represent distinct designs for gait support.
- Comparative data on the efficacy of different walker types in pediatric populations is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of anterior versus posterior walkers in children requiring ambulation support.
- To analyze gait parameters and postural alignment differences between the two walker types.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving eight children who used walkers for ambulation.
- High-speed cinematography was employed for detailed gait analysis.
- Measurements included stride length, time in double support, velocity, and trunk, hip, and knee angles during the gait cycle.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in postural alignment were observed with posterior walker use.
- Key gait characteristics, including velocity and stride length, showed notable enhancement with posterior walkers.
- Reduced time in double support was a further advantage identified with posterior walker usage.
Conclusions:
- Posterior walkers offer superior benefits for improving gait characteristics and postural alignment in children compared to anterior walkers.
- The findings suggest that posterior walker selection may be more advantageous for pediatric gait rehabilitation.
- Further research could explore long-term effects and patient-reported outcomes.