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The effects of clothes on independent walking in toddlers
Nicolas Théveniau1, Matthieu P Boisgontier, Sabine Varieras
1UJF-Grenoble 1/CNRS/TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525, Grenoble F-38041, France; ENVEHO Company, Villeurbanne F-69603, France.
Insights
Clothing significantly impacts toddler walking development. Biomechanical constraints from textiles affect gait velocity and step length, highlighting the need to control for clothing in research.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Motor Control
Background:
- Toddler walking (gait) spatiotemporal features correlate with central nervous system maturation.
- Previous research has not investigated the influence of clothing on gait acquisition in toddlers.
- Understanding factors affecting early gait development is crucial for identifying potential developmental issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that clothing alters toddlers' walking patterns.
- To quantify the effect of different clothing conditions on gait parameters in toddlers with varying walking experience.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 22 healthy toddlers across three groups based on walking experience (6-18 months).
- Evaluated gait in four distinct clothing conditions: Diaper+Trousers, Diaper+Pants of tracksuit, Diaper only, and Underwear.
- Measured spatiotemporal gait parameters, including velocity and step length.
Main Results:
- Significant effects of clothing on gait velocity and step length were observed.
- Toddlers' walking patterns were demonstrably altered by the biomechanical constraints imposed by different textiles.
- The impact of clothing varied depending on the type of garment worn.
Conclusions:
- Clothing significantly influences the development and expression of toddler gait.
- Biomechanical properties of textiles can alter gait parameters in young children.
- Future studies on toddler gait must carefully document and control for clothing variables.
Abstract:
The spatiotemporal features of walking in toddlers are known to be related to the level of maturation of the central nervous system. However, previous studies did not assess whether there could be an effect of clothes on the acquisition of walking. In this study, it was hypothesized that clothes modify the toddlers' walking. To test this hypothesis, 22 healthy toddlers divided into 3 groups of walking experience were assessed in four clothing conditions (Diaper+Trousers; Diaper+Pants of tracksuit; Diaper; Underwear). Results revealed significant effects of clothing on velocity and step length of toddlers from 6 to 18 months of walking experience. These results suggested that biomechanical constraints induced by the textile features alter the walking of toddlers. Therefore, in studies of toddler's gait, the clothing worn should be carefully mentioned and controlled.
