Typical gait (test #2) Flashcards
What are the prerequisites for typical gait development?
Motor control and CNS maturation, adequate ROM and strength, proper bone structure, and sensory input for pelvic stabilization.
How does CNS maturation support gait development?
Central pattern generators (CPGs) in the CNS help initiate and regulate basic locomotion, developing from embryogenesis to postnatal stages.
What are the characteristics of a mature gait pattern in children aged 3 and older?
- increased single-leg stance time
- higher walking velocity
- decreased cadence
- increased step length
- narrow pelvic span-to-ankle spread ratio
Describe the characteristics of immature gait in children 2.5 years and younger.
- reduced postural stability
- shorter single-leg stance time
- rapid cadence
- wide-based gait pattern resembling stepping
How does skeletal alignment change from newborn to age 6?
- 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.
What developmental changes occur in body structure and proportions affecting gait?
The ratio of head size to body decreases, limb length increases, and COM lowers, leading to improved balance, stability, and walking efficiency.
How does the center of mass (COM) affect gait in newborns versus older children?
Newborns have a higher COM in the trunk, making balance difficult, while older children have a lower COM, enhancing stability.
What are the key gait characteristics in infants aged birth to 3 months?
Crossed feet, reciprocal kicking, and foot-to-foot contact with a narrow base of support.
How do body proportions and muscle activity change from birth to 9 months?
Infants have high body fat content, extremities grow faster than the trunk, and there’s an increase in hip ROM with femoral anteversion.
What gait developments occur between 9 and 12 months of age?
Increased weight-bearing through the lower extremities, cruising at surfaces, and beginning to walk with support.
Describe the gait characteristics of beginner walkers aged 9-15 months.
Wide BOS, small steps, high cadence, increased hip and knee flexion, plantarflexion at initial contact, and whole-body postural adjustments.
What limits beginner walkers in terms of gait development?
Extensor strength limitations, dynamic balance challenges, and the need for whole-body postural adjustments.
What changes occur in gait development at 18-24 months?
Resolution of genu varus, decreased hip abduction, consistent heel strike, improved dynamic balance, and a lower COM.
How does muscle activation change by 18-24 months during gait?
Reduced co-contraction of antagonist muscle groups and increased activation of quadriceps and glutes during the stance phase.
What are the primary gait characteristics in children aged 3-3.5 years?
- narrow BOS
- true heel-toe gait
- refined balance reactions
- gait velocity that matches height
How does the tibiofemoral angle and femoral anteversion change by age 3-3.5 years?
The tibiofemoral angle becomes valgus, and femoral anteversion begins to decrease.
Describe the characteristics of a fully mature gait pattern seen by age 7.
A neutral tibiofemoral angle, resolved femoral anteversion, neutral calcaneus, and well-coordinated gait with heel-toe patterns.
What role do visual and vestibular systems play in gait development?
They assist with postural control, balance reactions, and become more coordinated by ages 10-12, enhancing stability.
At what age is gait considered fully mature, and what are the key indicators?
Around 7 years old, with adult-like patterns in velocity, cadence, step length, and coordinated motor activities.
How does bone structure and composition contribute to gait development?
It provides balance and joint stability essential for effective movement during walking.
What are the changes in gait from birth to 6 months of age?
Hips are abducted, knees extended, BOS initially narrow then widens, and feet have full contact with the ground.
How does dynamic balance evolve during the gait cycle in young children?
It progressively improves with age, leading to increased stability and the ability to adjust posture dynamically.
What is the importance of adequate ROM and strength in lower extremities for gait?
They are crucial for performing the movements required during the different phases of the gait cycle.
How does muscle activation progress with increasing age in gait development?
It evolves from whole-body movements in beginner walkers to more localized control in specific muscles like hip extensors and adductors.
How does the COM location differ between toddlers and older children?
In toddlers, COM is higher at the thoracic level, while in older children, it moves lower to the pelvis and improves balance.
What changes in postural control occur as children mature?
Postural reactions and balance refine, allowing children to react quickly to loss of balance (LOB) with coordinated movements.
How does step length and walking velocity change with development?
Step length increases, and walking velocity grows as limb length increases and the base of support narrows.
What muscle groups are key in postural control for gait stability?
Hip extensors, quadriceps, and glutes play significant roles in maintaining stability during the stance phase.
What are the gait characteristics of a 6-7-year-old child?
Narrow BOS, true heel-toe gait pattern, mature postural control, and coordinated visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems.
What role does the calcaneus play in gait progression from early childhood to age 7?
It transitions from calcaneal eversion in young children to a neutral position, supporting a stable heel-toe gait.
Describe how sensory input influences gait stability.
Sensory feedback, especially from the feet and pelvis, is essential for making necessary adjustments for balance and posture.
How does hip ROM affect gait in newborns and young children?
It starts with femoral anteversion and genu varum, allowing wide-based support and gradually moves towards a neutral alignment.
What changes in muscle co-contraction occur in children by age 3?
Decreased co-contraction of antagonist muscles at the knee and ankle, allowing smoother and more controlled movements.
How does gait efficiency improve with the growth of a child?
Increased stride length, reduced cadence, and better postural control contribute to a more efficient and stable gait pattern.
What milestones indicate the transition from immature to mature gait patterns?
Development of heel-toe gait, reduced base of support, and the ability to navigate uneven surfaces efficiently by age 7.
