Evaluation of Biomechanical Conditions in Infants from 20 to 48 Months of Age in Gait

Abstract

The aim was to analyze independent child gait in children 20 to 48 months with typical motor development to establish a valid set of angular position data. A total of five children were recruited for this research. Five Xsens MTw Awinda wearable inertial movement sensors located at the pelvis, between L4/L5 OR S1/S2, the quadriceps and anterior tibialis were used to quantify the gait cycle on rigid floors. Five measurements were taken from each child and only the four bests were taken. Data analysis was performed using polynomial regression by least squares and statical methods: Pearson’s correlation and coefficient of determination R2. The patterns of the movement curves resulting from the data sets of the evaluated joints exhibit similarities between children of different ages. To corroborate the information obtained, a comparison was made with an already established database for the same measurement parameters, achieving similarity percentages of 78% for pelvic rotation as well as 53 and 79% for pelvic obliquity. Results suggest that is essential to extend the age range of the children, as well as to increase the numbers of participants evaluated to establish a follow-up in the complete maturation of the infantile gait.