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Related Experiment Videos

Relationship between newborn stepping and later walking: a new interpretation.

E Thelen, D W Cooke

    Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
    |June 1, 1987
    PubMed
    Summary

    Newborn stepping patterns evolve into mature walking. Early synchronized movements develop into more complex patterns, influenced by the demands of upright locomotion and motor development.

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    Area of Science:

    • Developmental motor control
    • Infant biomechanics

    Background:

    • Understanding the developmental trajectory of infant locomotion is crucial for identifying potential developmental delays.
    • Newborn stepping reflexes are a precursor to independent walking, but the precise relationship and developmental changes are not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To examine the kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) changes in infant stepping from newborn to independent walking.
    • To compare stepping patterns at different developmental stages: 1-2 months of age, 1-2 months before walking onset, and at walking onset.

    Main Methods:

    • Kinematic and electromyographic data were collected from 18 normal infants.
    • Stepping movements were analyzed at multiple time points during the first year of life.

    Main Results:

    • Early stepping (1-2 months) showed tight synchronization of hip, knee, and ankle movements.
    • By 2 months, ankle joint movement began to desynchronize from hip and knee.
    • Pre-walking patterns became more adult-like, but newborn stepping characteristics persisted at walking onset (e.g., ankle hyperextension, hyperflexion, excessive muscle activation).

    Conclusions:

    • Mature walking likely evolves from the stereotyped newborn stepping pattern.
    • Gradual changes in stepping organization are driven by the dynamic demands of upright locomotion, balance, postural control, and strength development.

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