Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
Postural Organization of Gait Initiation for Biomechanical Analysis Using Force Platform Recordings
Published on: July 26, 2022
Gait analysis on force treadmill in children: comparison with results from ground-based force platforms
Luigi Tesio1, Chiara Malloggi, Nicola M Portinaro
1Departments of aBiomedical Sciences for Health bTranslational Medicine, University of Milan cDepartment of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS dDepartment of Pediatric Orthopedics and Neuro-orthopedics, Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Gait analysis on a split-belt force treadmill (GAFT) is a reliable method for studying children's walking, showing comparable results to traditional ground walking analysis. This technique offers higher reliability for gait parameters in pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Gait Analysis
- Movement Science
Background:
- Traditional gait analysis (GA) uses surface electromyography (sEMG), optoelectronic joint motion capture, and force platforms.
- Gait analysis on a split-belt force treadmill (GAFT) has been validated in adults, demonstrating high reliability.
- GAFT requires validation in children due to potential differences in signal-to-noise ratio, treadmill vs. over-ground walking discrepancies, and experimental setup compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if GAFT yields comparable results to ground-based GA in children.
- To assess the consistency of GAFT findings in children with those previously observed in adults.
- To evaluate the reliability and applicability of GAFT in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- GAFT was performed on three groups of healthy children (5-6, 7-8, and 9-13 years old) walking at self-selected speeds.
- Results were compared with a previous study using ground-based GA on age- and speed-matched children and with adult GAFT data.
- Reliability of spatiotemporal and dynamic parameters was assessed using standard deviation (SD).
Main Results:
- GAFT demonstrated higher reliability for spatiotemporal and dynamic gait parameters compared to ground-based GA.
- Children exhibited a shorter step length during GAFT compared to ground-based GA, with the difference decreasing with age (ranging from 9.19% to 2.30%).
- Youngest children showed reduced plantar flexor power generation and more flexed joint postures during GAFT, while other parameters and adult-matched data showed strong consistency.
Conclusions:
- GAFT is a promising and reliable alternative to conventional GA for pediatric populations.
- The method shows high compliance and feasibility in children, with results comparable to adult GAFT and ground-based GA.
- GAFT provides reliable spatiotemporal, kinematic, and dynamic data in children, supporting its use in research and clinical settings.
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