Development of Mature Gait Flashcards
What are the developmental stages of gait in children?
infant stepping –> inhibition –> transition –> deliberate stepping –> independent stepping –> heel-toe –> integrated stepping
What is Infant Stepping?
alternating flexion/flexion of legs when held
What is Inhibition?
evidence of CNS inhibition, essential for normal motor development
What is Transition?
pre-locomotor patterns (pivot-prone, kicking, bottom scooting, creeping/crawling, tip toeing)
What is Deliberate Stepping?
voluntary steps when supported at slow speed, high stepping / excessive flexion @ hips, flat foot
What is Independent Stepping?
short uneven steps w/ wide BOS and high guard, many falls, higher cadance
What is heel-toe?
development of heel strike, walks w/ knees flexed, fully develops between 3-4 years
What is Integrated Walking?
mature-like gait characteristics, lack of fluidity of movement
What is Mature Gait?
CoM displacement minimized, pelvic rotation & arm swing
What are the 5 major features that characterize developmental changes in gait?
increased walking velocity, decreased cadence, increased step length, decreased BOS, increased duration of single limb stance
How does gait speed change with age?
supported walking 23.4 m/min, newly independent 38m/min, adults 80m/min
In toddler gait, what % of the gait cycle is stance?
32%
How does elder gait present?
decreased step/stride length, pelvic rotation, cadence and velocity // increased cycle time, BOS, stance time, toe out, elbow flexion
what age does infant stepping occur?
neonatal period - 2 months
what age does inhibition occur?
2 - 3 months
