Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the characteristics of gait in 3- and 4-year-old children. Eighteen children completed 20 walking passes on each of two days. Sagittal plane kinematics and ground reaction force patterns were analyzed. From the kinematic data, high standard deviation values were noted for many of the segmental and angular velocity variables, especially the more distal segments and joints. Differences between boys and girls were observed in the linear and angular velocity values associated with the lower extremity. The ground reaction force patterns also displayed differences for the boys and girls with the boys exhibiting a greater difference in the vertical peak force values, a greater braking force, and a greater value for the medio-lateral force excursion measure. The results provide a comprehensive description of the gait characteristics of children and suggest that differences between boys and girls are evident at age 3 and 4. Verf.-Referat