Locomotor behavior of children and young adults in simulated domestic environment

Abstract

In order to observe the locomotors behavior of children and young adults facing environmental constraints, 40 children (from 5 to 8 years old) and 40 young adults (from 19 to 28 years old) went through two circuits under full and reduced luminosity and cargo transportation (no cargo, 3% and 7% of body mass) conditions, walking as fast as possible and avoiding contact with objects. The time spent to complete the task was obtained by means of a digital stopwatch, in three trials per condition. Three-way ANOVA factors (circuit x illumination x cargo) revealed that: children spent more time to complete the task when cargo was added; younger children were slower than older children; adults' locomotion were not affected by the conditions. It can be concluded that children need to integrate the sensory information and couple them with the effectors system. Intervention programs are necessary to facilitate this integration without restricting children's mobility.