A cross-sectional study about the relationship between morphology and step-time parameters in children between 15 and 36 months

Abstract

Morphology and step-time parameters were recorded in 100 children between 15 and 36 months to investigate the relation between morphology and the walking pattern. A footfall method was used to register step-time parameters. Next, the differences in step-time parameters between four morphological classes were assigned with a multiple analysis of variance. We also performed stepwise linear regressions with a correction for walking experience, to examine the relation between detailed morphological measurements and step-time parameters. The results of these regressions show a significant relation between pelvis span/ankle spread ratio and the relative radii of gyration in the frontal plane of head and pelvis. It is hypothesized that the morphology of the head and pelvis plays a role in the coordination of the walking pattern.

A cross-sectional study about the relationship between morphology and kinematic parameters in children between 15 and 36 months

“…First, the results are consistent with the upper body hypothesis as formulated in our previous study [2] because there is a positive relation between H6 and the moment of inertia in the sagittal plane (Iy) of the thorax. This indicates that children with a large moment of inertia of the thorax in the sagittal plane (Iy) walk with more hip adduction.…”

“…The upper body hypothesis was formulated in a previous study [2] on the relationship between morphology and step-time parameters in 100 toddlers between 15 and 36 months. Since the step-time parameters of gait were primarily determined by movements of the segments, we performed a full 3D gait analysis on 31 new children.…”

“…The onset of independent walking occurs in a period where human infants not only experience profound changes in movement capacity, but also undergo dramatic changes in body dimensions. A previous study revealed a significant relationship between morphology and step-time parameters in children between 15 and 36 months [2] i.e. between pelvis span/ankle spread ratio and the relative radii of gyration in the frontal plane of head and pelvis.…”

“…Using principal component analysis on a subset of 13 morphological measurements (normalised to body length), we distinguished four morphological classes characterizing the variation in morphology in this group of toddlers (i.e. chubby children with short legs, chubby children with long legs, slim children with short legs and slim children with long legs) [2]. In Table 1 the morphologic characteristics of the four classes are shown.…”

“…In general, it was hypothesized that the morphology of head and pelvis plays a role in the coordination of the walking pattern. But the study of Van Dam et al [2], only provided information on step-time parameters, which result from segmental coordinated movements. Detailed information on the kinematics is necessary to test the upper body hypothesis and to gain more insight in how morphology interacts with the walking pattern.…”