Normal biomechanical values of walking for healthy Saudi children in Riyadh city

Abstract

The study of Biomechanics of walking provides us with reference data needed to distinguish between normal and abnormal walking. The purpose of this study was to determine the normal values of some walking biomechanical variables of Saudi Arabian children between the ages of 7 and 11 years. The present study was also aimed at exploring the differences between age groups in walking biomechanical variables. The study sample consisted of 50 healthy Saudi children without any structural deformities and with a body mass index (BMI) of less than overweight (BMI <20). Before collecting data, reflective markers were attached to joints of the right side in order to help in digitizing and locating three-dimensional coordinates using Motus 8 program. Then, subjects walked on a raised walkway with an AMTI force plate (500 Hz) in its middle and filmed by two cameras (50 Hz) one to the right side and the other to the backside of the subject. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in kinematic variables between groups except in stride and step lengths. In addition, there were no significant differences in kinetic variables between groups except in push of force (Y1). Results also indicated a strong relationship between walking velocity and most of the kinematic variables and the three peaks of vertical force. In conclusion, the results of this study showed clear differences between Saudi children and children of other countries. It is recommended that the values of this study be used as normal values for evaluation of walking of Saudi children between the ages 7 and 11.