Key points of development of motor skills in childhood embodied in gait parameters

Abstract

Objective: To observe changes of correlations of gait parameters of four sets of body in children aged 3-6.

Design: A cross-sectional observational study.

Setting: Dong Gang kindergarten in Suzhou, China.

Participants: A total of 89 children between 3 and 6 years old.

Main outcome measures: A total of 37 three-dimensional (3-D) gait parameters assessed with a wearable gait analysis system in 2-min walking test, for 3 times.

Results: There were significant differences in gait speed, stride length and sagittal range of motion (ROM) of trunk among children of 3-6 years old (P < 0.05). The left and right toe out angle, sagittal ROM of waist, coronal ROM of trunk and arm swing velocity of male were significantly greater than those of female children (P < 0.05). Most gait parameters were symmetrical (P < 0.01). Canonical correlations of Upper Limbs Set vs. Trunk and Waist Sets increased by ages (P < 0.05). Canonical correlation of Trunk Set vs. Waist Set decreased by ages. Canonical correlations of Lower Limbs Set to any other sets were not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Values and symmetry of gait parameters cannot reflect the development of motor skill during ages of 3-6. Proper trunk movement coordinating with upper limbs and isolating from waist is the key point of development of motor skill in walking. It is built during preschool period and girls develop better. Before the preschool period, lower limbs' isolating movements from the other segments have already developed well. These key points of motor skills in walking should be considered when motor tasks for segment isolation and coordination are given to children with motor dysfunction.

Keywords: Children Development; Gait; Motor skills; Wearable Electronic Devices.