Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision
Published on: February 11, 2014
Reference data for performances on the standardized walking obstacle course in children developing typically
Karen M Kott1, Sharon Held2, Mary Rose Franjoine2
1Old Dominion University, School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, 3118 Health Sciences Building, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States.
Insights
This study establishes reference data for the Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC) to screen child ambulation. Height is a key factor for interpreting SWOC performance in typically developing children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Child development research
- Biomechanical analysis of gait
Background:
- Assessing ambulation in children is crucial for identifying developmental delays.
- Standardized tools are needed to objectively measure walking performance in pediatric populations.
- The Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC) offers a method to evaluate gait under various conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference performance groups on the Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC).
- To create a screening pathway for ambulation in typically developing children.
- To provide clinicians with normative data for pediatric gait assessment.
Main Methods:
- The Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC) assessed ambulation in three conditions: walking (W), walk with tray (WT), and walk wearing sunglasses (WG).
- 355 children completed two trials per condition, measuring time, steps, stumbles, and steps off path.
- Data analysis focused on establishing reliable reference values considering trial consistency and participant characteristics.
Main Results:
- Average performance data from two trials were used due to high correlation between trials.
- Gender was not a significant factor in SWOC performance.
- Height was a significant predictor of performance across all conditions, leading to reference data based on height groups.
Conclusions:
- Reference values for the SWOC, stratified by height, can aid clinicians in screening for ambulation limitations.
- Individual height provides a more consistent basis for comparison than age alone.
- The SWOC serves as a valuable tool for assessing and monitoring pediatric ambulation skills.
Purpose:
To establish reference performance groups on the Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC) a pathway to screen ambulation for children developing typically.
Methods:
SWOC tests ambulation under three conditions: walk (W), walk with tray (WT) and walk wearing sunglasses (WG). One trial consisted of standing up, walking the course in one direction and sitting down. Children (n=355) completed two trials per condition. Trial measures included time to complete (seconds) and numbers of steps, stumbles, and steps off path.
Results:
Trial 1 and trial 2 for time and number of steps are significantly different (p=0.0005), but highly correlated (r=0.93 and r=0.96) therefore their average was used to establish reference data. Gender was not a significant factor. Age and height predict performances in all conditions, but measures between age groups were not always significantly different. Significant different measures by height groups could be established across all conditions, therefore reference data was established using three height groups.
Conclusion:
Reference values will assist clinicians to compare a child's performance on the SWOC based on an individual height because this can vary within and between ages thus screening for possible ambulation limitations.
More Related Videos
06:28Author Spotlight: Developing Low-Tech Balance Assessment Methods for Broad-Spectrum Healthcare Applications
Published on: September 1, 2023
09:18Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019