Developmental changes in spatial margin of stability in typically developing children relate to the mechanics of gait

Abstract

BackgroundImmature balance control is considered an important rate limiter for maturation of gait. The spatial margin of stability (MoS) is a biomechanical measure of dynamic balance control that might provide insights into balance control strategies used by children during the developmental course of gait. Research hypothesisWe hypothesize there will be an age-dependent decrease in MoS in children with typical development. To understand the mechanics, relations between MoS and spatio-temporal parameters of gait are investigated. MethodsTotal body gait analysis of typically developing children (age 1–10, n = 84) were retrospectively selected from available databases. MoS is defined as the minimum distance between the center of pressure and the extrapolated center of mass along the mediolateral axis during the single support phases. ResultsMoS shows a moderate negative correlation with stride length (rho = −0.510), leg length (rho = −0.440), age (rho = −0.368) and swing duration (rho = −0.350). A weak correlation was observed between MoS and walking speed (rho = −0.243) and step width (rho = 0.285). A stepwise linear regression model showed only one predictor, swing duration, explaining 18% of the variance in MoS. MoS decreases with increasing duration of swing (β = −0.422). This relation is independent of age. SignificanceA larger MoS induces a larger lateral divergence of the CoM that could be compensated by a quicker step. Future research should compare the observed strategies in children to those used in adults and in children with altered balance control related to pathology.