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Changes in time-continuous joint kinematics in preschool children over the stance phase of gait

Marketa Rygelova1, Jaroslav Uchytil1, Joseph Hamill2

  • 1Department of Human Movement Studies, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Gait & Posture
|March 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Statistical parameter mapping (SPM) reveals significant differences in lower limb gait kinematics in preschool children. This method offers a clearer understanding of age-related changes in child gait development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gait Analysis
  • Developmental Biomechanics
  • Motor Development

Background:

  • Comparing gait kinematics across different child ages requires advanced analytical tools.
  • Statistical parameter mapping (SPM) is a suitable method for analyzing gait waveform differences.
  • Traditional methods focusing on curve maxima/minima are less descriptive of age-related gait changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in lower limb kinematic waveforms during gait in typically developing preschool children.
  • To determine if and how gait patterns evolve between ages 2, 3, and 6 years.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study design was employed.
  • Statistical parameter mapping (SPM) was utilized to compare gait kinematics.
  • Kinematic data were collected from 42 typically developing preschool children aged 2, 3, and 6 years.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences were observed in foot internal rotation and knee rotation/abduction waveforms between age groups.
  • Two-year-olds exhibited distinct foot internal rotation patterns compared to 3- and 6-year-olds.
  • Knee kinematics, including internal rotation and abduction, showed age-dependent variations during the stance phase.

Conclusions:

  • Comparing gait kinematic waveforms using SPM provides a more comprehensive understanding of developmental changes.
  • This approach enhances the clarity of differences in gait patterns across various preschool ages.
  • SPM is a valuable tool for characterizing normative gait development in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenDevelopGaitKinematicsStatistical parameter mapping

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