Development of joint movement patterns during gait in Japanese children aged 3–12 years

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to clarify the development of joint movement patterns during gait in Japanese children aged 3–12 years. Methods: The participants included 92 children (25 in the 3–4 to year-old group, 28 in the 5–6 to year-old group, 20 in the 7–8 to year-old group, and 19 in the 9–12 to year-old group) and 21 young adults (adult group). Kinematic data during gait were recorded using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and four force plates. Results: The patterns of joint motion in the hip joint were similar across all the age groups. The maximum knee joint flexion angle during the swing phase was significantly greater in the 3–4-year-old and 5–6-year-old groups than in the adult group (p < 0.01). The minimum ankle joint angle during the loading response (LR) was significantly greater in the 3–4-year-old and 5–6-year-old groups than in the adult group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the 7–8-year-old group did not exhibit the pattern observed in adults, where the ankle transitions from plantarflexion to dorsiflexion during the LR phase. Conclusions: Although the hip joint showed patterns similar to those of adults at all ages, knee joint motions were greater in 3–8-year-old children than in adults. In regard to ankle joint motion, the heel-rocker function in the LR was suggested to mature after the age of 9 years.