L5 Gait Development

Question 1

Overview of gait development

Answer 1

changes sequentially (growth, development, practice, neuro maturation)

variability in development

Question 2

Age Considerations

Answer 2

average is 12 months with range of 8-18 months

temporospatial gait parameters modified by maturation and growth until 4 years. After 4 years, changes are due to leg length

Question 3

Reciprocal arm swing during gait is ____ in young children

Answer 3

absent

Question 4

Single Leg Stance

Answer 4

develops most rapidly between 1.5 and 3.5/4 years

Question 5

Velocity

Answer 5

Distance/time

increases linearly between 1-7 years, rate of increase greater from 1-3 years than 4-7 years

Question 6

Cadence

Answer 6

steps/minute

decreases rapidly between 1-2 years, continues to decrease into adulthood

Question 7

Step Length

Answer 7

increase linearly between 1-7 years, rate of increase greater from 1-3 years than 4-7 years

lower limb growth slows after 4 years

Question 8

Pelvic span to ankle spread ratio

Answer 8

defines base of support comparing pelvic width to width from ankle to ankle

increasing ratio over time indicating, decreasing BOS

Question 9

LEs mature in gait by age

Answer 9

3.5 to 4 years
early walkers have wide BOS that changes gradually

Question 10

Pelvis

Answer 10

1 year
anterior tilt, rotation during walking, then decreases gradually to age 3 years

Question 11

Hip

Answer 11

abduction and ER greatest between 1 to 2.5 years

Question 12

Knee

Answer 12

some but minimal knee flexion at loading response at 1 year, gradually increases

Question 13

Ankle

Answer 13

1 year presents with flat foot heel strike
2 year presents with heel contact

relation to pelvic height to clear foot with min DF at age 1 year