Development of gait at slow, free, and fast speeds in 3- and 5-year-old children

The purpose of this study was to describe and statistically analyze 3- and 5-year-old children's gait at slow, free, and fast speeds in terms of stride length, step length (adjusted for leg length), stride width, included angle of feet, and cadence. The study also correlated gait factors and motor development. Gait patterns were recorded with a clinical, footprint method. In general, stride length and cadence were significantly different for age and speed, and step length and stride width were significantly different only for speed. Included angle of feet was not significant for age or speed. Motor ability as measured by the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities correlated only with stride length and cadence. It was concluded that gait patterns in 3- and 5-year-old children are not fully mature. Perhaps the interrelationship between gait factors, age, and speed, as well as the relationships among gait factors, present a more realistic analysis of gait in these children than if the variables were considered in isolation. Further research is needed to determine how variability of a child's gait decreases and which gait factors and conditions can be used appropriately to determine gait maturity.