Relations between age, step-time parameters and margin of stability during gait in typically developing children

Abstract

Immature balance control has been suggested to be an important rate limiter for maturation of gait. The spatial margin of stability (MoS) is a measure derived from biomechanics characterizing dynamic balance control. Because of its sound biomechanical basis, it might provide insights into the balance control strategies used by children during the developmental course of gait. We hypothesize there will be an age-dependent decrease in MoS in children with typical development. To understand the mechanics behind this, relations between MoS and step-time parameters of gait (STP) are investigated.