Temporal, kinematic and kinetic patterns of independent walking (IW) in toddlers have been characterized in various studies with postural control identified as a critical component influencing the coordination between gait mechanisms to maintain a dynamic equilibrium. Variations in parameters across development indicate that toddlers possess more adult-like integration capabilities in locomotor control after 4 to 5 months of independent walking (Bril & Breniere, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992). However, whether this integration would be influenced in a subtle complex locomotor task, obstacle crossing remains unknown. This study examined locomotor modulation during obstacle crossing in eight healthy toddlers (six males and two females; mean height = 80.6 cm) with 1 to 8 months IW experience. At least five trials of unobstructed walking (UW) and obstacle crossing (OC) were recorded using a Vicon motion analysis system (Oxford Metric Ltd, Oxford, UK). Lower extremity trajectories during unobstructed walking and while crossing a visible fixed obstacle were analyzed (Visual3D Motion Analysis System, C-motion Inc., Rockville, Maryland. US). As months of walking increased, segmental trajectories over the obstacle appeared to be more consistent. With 4- to 5-month IW toddlers displaying more adult-like OC patterns. This tendency was reflected by less variability of leading and trailing toe-to-obstacle distance (TD) and crossing stride length (SL). As IW experience increased, safety and stability were improved as the leading and trailing toe clearance distance over the obstacle (TC), knee flexion, crossing step length (SL), and heel distance (HD) increased accordingly. The most dramatic changes of these variables occurred after 4 to 5 months IW. In addition, success rate increased as months of walking suggested that better integrated postural control was achieved.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uottawa.ca/oai:ruor.uottawa.ca:10393/28042 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Creators | Zhang, Li |
| Publisher | University of Ottawa (Canada) |
| Source Sets | Université d’Ottawa |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 80 p. |
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