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Changes in walking pattern between five and six years of age
L Gómez Pellico1, R Rodríguez Torres, C Dankloff Mora
1Department of Morphological Science, School of Medicine, Universidad de Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|September 1, 1995
Summary
This study analyzed walking parameters in 62 five- and six-year-old children. Findings reveal significant differences in gait, indicating ongoing physical maturation in early childhood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric biomechanics
- Developmental kinesiology
- Childhood motor development
Background:
- Understanding typical gait development is crucial for identifying developmental deviations.
- Early childhood is a period of significant motor skill refinement.
- Gait analysis provides objective measures of motor function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative ground reaction force (GRF) and spatio-temporal walking parameters for 5- and 6-year-old children.
- To investigate age-related differences in gait parameters within this developmental stage.
- To assess the extent of motor maturation in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-two children aged 5-6 years participated.
- Participants walked barefoot at a normal pace over force platforms.
- Kinetic and spatio-temporal gait parameters were measured.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in kinetic parameters between the age groups.
- Spatio-temporal walking parameters also exhibited notable variations.
- These findings suggest incomplete maturation of gait mechanics.
Conclusions:
- Gait parameters continue to evolve between ages 5 and 6.
- Maturation of the neuromuscular system influences walking patterns.
- Further research is needed to track gait development beyond age 6.