Changes in Coordination during the First 8 Months of Independent Walking

Abstract

This study assessed the development of coordination during the first 8 months of independent walking and identified potential hypotheses that may be tested by further research. The walking gait of a normal child was recorded on video at the onset of independent walking, and thereafter at monthly intervals over a period of 8 months. Video images were digitized and 3-dimensional coordinates obtained. The coefficient of variation was used to measure variability in the movement. Other variables studied included range of movement, relationships between angles, angular velocties, timing relationships, proportional distance and temporal phasing. By adopting a dynamical systems perspective, this study identified variables that challenged the stability of the locomotor system. Coordinative structures were observed to shift from one state to another from age 18 months; such mutations included decreased range of motion, hip knee angle relationship that resemble mature walking, relative time of peak angular velocity, and stability of angle angular velocity phasing.

3D joint dynamics of walking in toddlers

“…We tried to minimize the error by using a very tight fitting suit made of highly elastic material. The kinematic time-profiles we obtained were very similar to the profiles reported in literature [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Therefore, we feel our data are valid for describing general features of 3D kinetics in toddlers.…”

“…Differences in spatio-temporal features of gait are well described: toddlers show a low average walking speed, high cadence, short step length, a wide support base [1][2][3][4] and a prolonged double support phase [2,5,6]. Kinematic differences are the guard position of the arms, external rotation of the feet, the absence of heel strike, simultaneous flexion of the hip and knee in swing and the absence of complete hip and knee extension in stance [3,[7][8][9]. A lack of muscle force, balance problems and immature control of movement have been postulated as the major causes for the observed differences between adult and toddler gait [4].…”

Changes in 3D joint dynamics during the first 5 months after the onset of independent walking: A longitudinal follow-up study

“…At the onset of independent walking, hip motion more closely resembles adult gait, while the patterns of knee and ankle motion are markedly different [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. Considering the knee, the most important difference is the absence of the shock-absorbing K1-wave following foot contact.…”

“…Therefore, toddler gait differs largely from mature gait. In the past, researchers gave a detailed description of step-time parameters and joint angle excursions [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. Important changes were found to occur in kinematical gait parameters within a few months from the onset of independent walking, suggesting important changes in motor control.…”