Development of Gait

Question 1

At what age does gait start to resemble a normal gait pattern?

Answer 1

7 years old.

Question 2

When is a normal time to start walking?

Answer 2

9-15 months

Question 3

What is needed before a normal gait can occur?

Answer 3

Adequate motor control and CNS maturation
Adequate ROM, strength, appropriate bone structure and composition
Intact Sensation

Question 4

What are the 5 major developmental components of gait?

Answer 4

Stability in stance
Sufficient foot clearance
Appropriate prepositioning of the foot for initial contact
Adequate step length
Energy conservation

Question 5

At what age is it considered mature or immature walking?

Answer 5

Mature-3 years

Immature 2.5 years

Question 6

What are the most important variables of walking?

Answer 6

Duration of single-limb stance
Walking velocity
Cadence
Step length
Ratio of pelvic span to ankle spread

Question 7

When is the most rapid change in advancement of single leg stance?

Answer 7

1.5-3.5 years old

Question 8

What is step length related to?

Answer 8

Height and leg length.

Linear relationship with step length and leg length from ages 1-7

Question 9

At what ages does walking velocity increase?

Answer 9

ages 1-7

Question 10

Does the cadence gradually increase or decrease throughout childhood?

Answer 10

Decreases

Question 11

What are some attributes of gait during 9-15 month olds?

Answer 11

Wide BOS
Mild internal tibial torsion
Genu Varus
Eversion of feet
COM is proportionately closer to the head and upper trunk (children have large head)
High fat ratio (weak functional weakness)
Small Steps
Stiff and upright limbs

Question 12

What are some changes that take place when the child grows to 18-24 months of age?

Answer 12

Limbs relatively straight
Increased hip extension, decreased abduction
BOS is decreased
Dynamic balance and strength improves
COM descends
Cadence increases
More efficient gait pattern
Consistent heel strike at 24 months
The foot is still everted and they have a prolonged stance phase

Question 13

How does the gait change during 3-3.5 years old?

Answer 13

Joint angles of ambulation mature into adult pattern
Genu Valgum
COM continues to lower
Continued eversion of the foot
Heel strike is more consistent

Question 14

How does the gait change during 6-7 years old?

Answer 14

Stable balance and postural control
COM is slightly higher than an adult
Netural Q-angle
Neutral heel position