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Published on: June 1, 2015
Development of independent locomotion in children with a severe visual impairment
Ann Hallemans1, Els Ortibus, Steven Truijen
1University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium. ann.hallemans@ua.ac.be
Insights
Individuals with visual impairments exhibit altered gait patterns, including slower walking speed and longer stance durations. These differences may stem from balance challenges or tactile ground exploration strategies. This study analyzed locomotion in visually impaired participants versus normally sighted individuals.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human locomotion
- Visual impairment research
Background:
- Gait analysis is crucial for understanding motor control.
- Visual impairment significantly impacts spatial navigation and mobility.
- Previous research indicates potential gait differences in visually impaired populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare gait parameters between children and adults with visual impairments and age-matched normally sighted individuals.
- To investigate age-related changes in gait within these groups.
- To identify specific gait adaptations in individuals with visual impairments.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of gait parameters using 3D motion capture (Vicon® system).
- Inclusion of 28 participants with visual impairments (ages 1-44) and 60 normally sighted controls.
- Measurement of key gait variables: walking speed, stride length, stance phase duration, and double support time.
Main Results:
- Overall gait parameters improved with age in both groups.
- Visually impaired individuals demonstrated slower walking speed and shorter stride length.
- Prolonged stance phase duration and double support time were observed in the visually impaired group.
Conclusions:
- Visual impairment is associated with distinct gait characteristics, including reduced speed and altered temporal parameters.
- These gait modifications may represent compensatory strategies for balance deficits or enhanced sensory feedback mechanisms.
- Further research is warranted to explore the functional implications of these adaptations for mobility and fall risk.
Abstract:
Locomotion of children and adults with a visual impairment (ages 1-44, n = 28) was compared to that of age-related individuals with normal vision (n = 60). Participants walked barefoot at preferred speed while their gait was recorded by a Vicon(®) system. Walking speed, heading angle, step frequency, stride length, step width, stance phase duration and double support time were determined. Differences between groups, relationships with age and possible interaction effects were investigated. With increasing age overall improvements in gait parameters are observed. Differences between groups were a slower walking speed, a shorter stride length, a prolonged duration of stance and of double support in the individuals with a visual impairment. These may be considered either as adaptations to balance problems or as strategies to allow to foot to probe the ground.
