The stride interval of typical human gait is correlated over thousands of strides. This statistical persistence diminishes with age, disease, and pace-constrained walking. Considering the widespread use of treadmills in rehabilitation and research, it is important to understand the effect of this speed-constrained locomotor modality on stride interval dynamics. To this end, and given that the dynamics of children have been largely unexplored, this study investigated the impact of treadmill walking, both with and without handrail use, on paediatric stride interval dynamics. An initial stationarity analysis of stride interval time series identified both non-stationary and stationary signals during all walking conditions. Subsequent scaling analysis revealed diminished stride interval persistence during unsupported treadmill walking compared to overground walking. Finally, while the correlation between stride interval dynamics and gross energy expenditure was investigated in an effort to elucidate the clinical meaning of persistence, no simple linear correlation was found.ii
DedicationTo my grandmother, whose inspiration I will carry with me always.iii Acknowledgements A sincere thank-you to my supervisor, Dr. Tom Chau, whose patience, support and guidance has allowed me to navigate the world of research. I am continually amazed by your dedication to your students and work, and am grateful for the knowledge and training that you have provided me.To my committee members, Dr. Karl Zabjek and Dr. Brian Maki, thank you for your invaluable feedback and advice.To the members of the PRISM lab, I am truly appreciative of your insights, perspectives and friendship. A special thank-you to Brian Nhan, Jorge Torres, Sarah Power and Stefanie Blain, with whom I shared an office, for your considerable help, thoughtful comments, good humour, and fun. Many thanks also to: Ervin Sejdić, for your expertise and contribution; Ka Lun Tam, for your technical wizardry; and Matthew Chang, for the thought-provoking discussions.