3D joint dynamics of walking in toddlers

Abstract

This study aims at giving an insight into the causative forces of walking in toddlers. Therefore, joint angle, moment and power profiles of 10 toddlers with less than 6 months of walking experience are compared to the stereotype adult patterns. In general, joint moments are small, which can be explained both by the small size of toddlers and differences in walking strategy. Also mass specific powers are reduced due to the low average walking speed. Balance problems in toddlers lead to a dominance of hip and knee extending moments throughout stance. The joint moment profiles are characterized by a reduced complexity, which might suggest an immature control of movement. Another feature of toddler gait is that virtually no power is generated at the ankle joint prior to foot-off (no active push-off). We also examined the effect of walking experience on the toddler gait pattern. In general, an evolution towards a more mature gait becomes evident after 4 months of independent walking. Changes are observed in step-time parameters, ankle dorsiflexing moment and power absorption at the hip joint.