Gait kinematics and kinetics of 7-year-old children: a comparison to adults using age-specific anthropometric data

The purpose of this study was to determine if sagittal plane gait kinematics and kinetics of 7-year-old children differed from those of adults when age-specific anthropometrics were used in the calculations. Joint angles, moments, and power obtained during level walking in 7-year-old children (n=15) were compared to data from adults (n=15). Calculations were performed using age-specific anthropometric data obtained from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. For most of the variables examined, 7-year-olds were similar to adults, however children demonstrated a diminished peak plantarflexor moment and less peak power absorption and generation at the ankle during late stance. These results provide support for the hypothesis that children lack the neuromuscular maturity, especially at the ankle, to produce an adult-like gait pattern.