Typical gait (test #2)

Question 1

What are the prerequisites for typical gait development?

Answer 1

Motor control and CNS maturation, adequate ROM and strength, proper bone structure, and sensory input for pelvic stabilization.

Question 2

How does CNS maturation support gait development?

Answer 2

Central pattern generators (CPGs) in the CNS help initiate and regulate basic locomotion, developing from embryogenesis to postnatal stages.

Question 3

What are the characteristics of a mature gait pattern in children aged 3 and older?

Answer 3

• increased single-leg stance time
• higher walking velocity
• decreased cadence
• increased step length
• narrow pelvic span-to-ankle spread ratio

Question 4

Describe the characteristics of immature gait in children 2.5 years and younger.

Answer 4

• reduced postural stability
• shorter single-leg stance time
• rapid cadence
• wide-based gait pattern resembling stepping

Question 5

How does skeletal alignment change from newborn to age 6?

Answer 5

• newborns have genu varum (bowlegs)
• straight legs by 18 months
• genu valgum (knock-knees) by 2.5 years
• straightened alignment with out-toeing by ages 4-6.

Question 6

What developmental changes occur in body structure and proportions affecting gait?

Answer 6

The ratio of head size to body decreases, limb length increases, and COM lowers, leading to improved balance, stability, and walking efficiency.

Question 7

How does the center of mass (COM) affect gait in newborns versus older children?

Answer 7

Newborns have a higher COM in the trunk, making balance difficult, while older children have a lower COM, enhancing stability.

Question 8

What are the key gait characteristics in infants aged birth to 3 months?

Answer 8

Crossed feet, reciprocal kicking, and foot-to-foot contact with a narrow base of support.

Question 9

How do body proportions and muscle activity change from birth to 9 months?

Answer 9

Infants have high body fat content, extremities grow faster than the trunk, and there’s an increase in hip ROM with femoral anteversion.

Question 10

What gait developments occur between 9 and 12 months of age?

Answer 10

Increased weight-bearing through the lower extremities, cruising at surfaces, and beginning to walk with support.

Question 11

Describe the gait characteristics of beginner walkers aged 9-15 months.

Answer 11

Wide BOS, small steps, high cadence, increased hip and knee flexion, plantarflexion at initial contact, and whole-body postural adjustments.

Question 12

What limits beginner walkers in terms of gait development?

Answer 12

Extensor strength limitations, dynamic balance challenges, and the need for whole-body postural adjustments.

Question 13

What changes occur in gait development at 18-24 months?

Answer 13

Resolution of genu varus, decreased hip abduction, consistent heel strike, improved dynamic balance, and a lower COM.

Question 14

How does muscle activation change by 18-24 months during gait?

Answer 14

Reduced co-contraction of antagonist muscle groups and increased activation of quadriceps and glutes during the stance phase.

Question 15

What are the primary gait characteristics in children aged 3-3.5 years?

Answer 15

• narrow BOS
• true heel-toe gait
• refined balance reactions
• gait velocity that matches height

Question 16

How does the tibiofemoral angle and femoral anteversion change by age 3-3.5 years?

Answer 16

The tibiofemoral angle becomes valgus, and femoral anteversion begins to decrease.

Question 17

Describe the characteristics of a fully mature gait pattern seen by age 7.

Answer 17

A neutral tibiofemoral angle, resolved femoral anteversion, neutral calcaneus, and well-coordinated gait with heel-toe patterns.

Question 18

What role do visual and vestibular systems play in gait development?

Answer 18

They assist with postural control, balance reactions, and become more coordinated by ages 10-12, enhancing stability.

Question 19

At what age is gait considered fully mature, and what are the key indicators?

Answer 19

Around 7 years old, with adult-like patterns in velocity, cadence, step length, and coordinated motor activities.

Question 20

How does bone structure and composition contribute to gait development?

Answer 20

It provides balance and joint stability essential for effective movement during walking.

Question 21

What are the changes in gait from birth to 6 months of age?

Answer 21

Hips are abducted, knees extended, BOS initially narrow then widens, and feet have full contact with the ground.

Question 22

How does dynamic balance evolve during the gait cycle in young children?

Answer 22

It progressively improves with age, leading to increased stability and the ability to adjust posture dynamically.

Question 23

What is the importance of adequate ROM and strength in lower extremities for gait?

Answer 23

They are crucial for performing the movements required during the different phases of the gait cycle.

Question 24

How does muscle activation progress with increasing age in gait development?

Answer 24

It evolves from whole-body movements in beginner walkers to more localized control in specific muscles like hip extensors and adductors.

Question 25

How does the COM location differ between toddlers and older children?

Answer 25

In toddlers, COM is higher at the thoracic level, while in older children, it moves lower to the pelvis and improves balance.

Question 26

What changes in postural control occur as children mature?

Answer 26

Postural reactions and balance refine, allowing children to react quickly to loss of balance (LOB) with coordinated movements.

Question 27

How does step length and walking velocity change with development?

Answer 27

Step length increases, and walking velocity grows as limb length increases and the base of support narrows.

Question 28

What muscle groups are key in postural control for gait stability?

Answer 28

Hip extensors, quadriceps, and glutes play significant roles in maintaining stability during the stance phase.

Question 29

What are the gait characteristics of a 6-7-year-old child?

Answer 29

Narrow BOS, true heel-toe gait pattern, mature postural control, and coordinated visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems.

Question 30

What role does the calcaneus play in gait progression from early childhood to age 7?

Answer 30

It transitions from calcaneal eversion in young children to a neutral position, supporting a stable heel-toe gait.

Question 31

Describe how sensory input influences gait stability.

Answer 31

Sensory feedback, especially from the feet and pelvis, is essential for making necessary adjustments for balance and posture.

Question 32

How does hip ROM affect gait in newborns and young children?

Answer 32

It starts with femoral anteversion and genu varum, allowing wide-based support and gradually moves towards a neutral alignment.

Question 33

What changes in muscle co-contraction occur in children by age 3?

Answer 33

Decreased co-contraction of antagonist muscles at the knee and ankle, allowing smoother and more controlled movements.

Question 34

How does gait efficiency improve with the growth of a child?

Answer 34

Increased stride length, reduced cadence, and better postural control contribute to a more efficient and stable gait pattern.

Question 35

What milestones indicate the transition from immature to mature gait patterns?

Answer 35

Development of heel-toe gait, reduced base of support, and the ability to navigate uneven surfaces efficiently by age 7.