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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.
Insights
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.
Abstract:
A study was carried out of the parameters of the ground reaction forces and temporal and spatial walking parameters of 62 children aged between five and six years. The children were evaluated barefoot, walking freely at normal speed over the surface of two platforms. The aims were to establish normal parameters for children of this age and to identify any differences existing between these ages. Differences were noticeable in the kinetic and temporal and spatial walking parameters, indicating that maturation has not yet been completed at these ages.