Development of Gait

Question 1

Gait: Birth - 9 mo.

Answer 1

• antigravity strength obtained
• hip flexor strength by kicking
• hip extensor strength by crawling/kneeling
• hip ABD strength by cruising
• extremities and trunk lungthen
• myelination of nerves completed

Question 2

Gait: 9-15 mo.

Answer 2

• fat decreases
• initial gait:
  
  • flexion/ABD/ER of hips
  • genu varum
  • eversion of the calcaneus
  • absent longitudinal arches
  • femoral anteversion
  • internal tibial torsion

Question 3

Gait: 18-24 mo

Answer 3

• decreased BOS
• heel remains everted
• less co-contraction of muscles
• genu varum resolved and knee neutral

Question 4

Gait: 3-3.5 years

Answer 4

• more mature gait
• genu valgum
• heel eversion decreasing
• consistent heel strike
• femoral anteversion decreasing
• arm swing noted

Question 5

Gait: 6-7 years

Answer 5

• Fully mature gait
• knees and heels in neutral position
• femoral anteversion almost resolved.