Characteristics of parameters between walking at normal and the fastest rates in preschool children

Abstract

To clarify the characteristics of infant gait when walking at normal and maximum gait speeds, gait analysis was performed involving 50 preschool children (boys: 16, Girls: 34). There were no sex differences in any gait parameter. The gait speed, cadence, and stride and step lengths significantly increased, and the stance, double-support, and swing phases markedly shortened when walking at their maximum compared with normal gait speed. The cadence (d=1.84) and temporal factors (d=1.51~1.88) showed larger effect sizes than distance factors (d=0.74~0.81). Furthermore, the normal gait speed was significantly correlated with 6 parameters: the cadence, stride and step lengths, and the durations of the stance, double-support, and swing phases, while the maximum gait speed was only correlated with 4 parameters: the cadence, the durations of the stance, doublesupport, and swing phases. Based on the results, it may be unnecessary to consider sex differences when evaluating infant gait. The usefulness of strategies to increase the step and stride lengths for improved gait was also suggested.