The three-dimensional kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters of gait in 6–10 year old typically developed children in the Cape Metropole of South Africa – a pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundFunctional gait is an integral part of life, allowing individuals to function within their environment and participate in activities of daily living. Gait assessment forms an essential part of a physical examination and can help screen for physical impairments. No three-dimensional (3D) gait analysis studies of children have been conducted in South Africa. South African gait analysis laboratory protocols and procedures may differ from laboratories in other countries, therefore a South African data base of normative values is required to make a valid assessment of South African children’s gait. The primary aim of this study is to describe joint kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters of gait in South African children to constitute a normative database and secondly to assess if there are age related differences in aforementioned gait parameters.MethodsA descriptive study was conducted. Twenty-eight typically developing children were conveniently sampled from the Cape Metropole in the Western Cape, South Africa. The 3D lower limb kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters of gait were analyzed. The lower limb Plug-in-Gait (PIG) marker placement was used. Participants walked bare foot at self-selected speed. Means and standard deviations (SD) were calculated for all spatiotemporal and kinematic outcomes. Children were sub-divided into two groups (Group A: 6–8 years and Group B: 9–10 years) for comparison.ResultsA significant difference between the two sub-groups for the normalized mean hip rotation minimum values (p = 0.036) was found. There was no significant difference between the sub-groups for any other kinematic parameter or when comparing the normalized spatiotemporal parameters.ConclusionThe study’s findings concluded that normalized spatiotemporal parameters are similar between the two age groups and are consistent with the values of children from other countries. The joint kinematic values showed significant differences for hip rotation, indicating that older children had more external rotation than younger children.

Análise cinemática da marcha com medidas normalizadas e não-normalizadas em indivíduos hígidos: um estudo experimental

“…Desta forma, vimos que a velocidade da marcha está diretamente relacionada ao comprimento da passada. Essa relação também é percebida em outros trabalhos, nos quais se evidencia além de tal relação, outras como a entre a velocidade da marcha e a cadência e duração do passo, confirmando que ao aumentar a velocidade, temos um aumento do CP [9,24,25,31,32,33]. Em algumas patologias, podemos perceber essa relação, ao ponto que os indivíduos apresentam menor VAS e, com isso, CP reduzido [5,25,28,34,35].…”

Pelvic Symmetry Is Influenced by Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex during Young Children’s Gait

“…The symmetry in this parameter was higher in the younger group (under 5 years old) than in the group above 5 years old. Smith et al [ 38 ] also checked the gait parameters of normally developed children. This work was conducted in South Africa.…”

“…Even if kinematic parameters are explored in some studies, the symmetry index of pelvis motion has not been found by authors so far. The impact of primitive reflexes on a child’s life is still being checked by different kinds of researchers in different disciplines such as psychology, pedagogy, and physiotherapy, where some interventions are being undertaken [ 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. This demonstrates the importance of cooperation for child integral understanding and support.…”

Gait Parameters in Healthy Preschool and School Children Assessed Using Wireless Inertial Sensor

“…The development of gait rises with age, and in children of about 7 years old, it seems to be mature [ 1 , 2 ]. However, the difference in its pattern over the years is observed in the research [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. The evaluation of gait is especially important in the abnormal ways of moving during illness or disability; nevertheless, the typical way of moving must be the basic indication for comparison in changed conditions.…”

“…There are many articles describing gait being connected with different disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, amputation, or Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, as well as a neuromotor delay [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Since typically developed children move in a different way, the normative data for this group of age are also desirable [ 5 , 14 , 15 ].…”