Gait & Posture
Volume 23, Issue 2 , Pages 142-148, February 2006

Changes in foot-function parameters during the first 5 months after the onset of independent walking: a longitudinal follow-up study

  • Ann Hallemans

      Affiliations

    • Laboratory for Functional Morphology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
    • Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +32 3 820 22 60; fax: +32 3 820 22 71.
    • ,
  • Dirk De Clercq

      Affiliations

    • Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
    • ,
  • Stefaan Van Dongen

      Affiliations

    • Group of Evolutionary Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
    • ,
  • Peter Aerts

      Affiliations

    • Laboratory for Functional Morphology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium

Received 14 July 2004; received in revised form 17 November 2004; accepted 12 January 2005. published online 07 February 2005.

Abstract 

Foot-function parameters (foot-contact patterns, oscillations of the centre of pressure (COP), peak pressures, relative vertical impulses and foot shape indices) were characterized in 10 toddlers at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20 weeks after the onset of independent walking. Significant changes were found in foot-contact patterns and COP oscillations. Improvements in balance, reflected in the decreased oscillations of the COP, coincided with changes in foot roll-over. These findings suggest that the development of a “heel-to-toe” roll-over pattern after 1 year of walking already starts early after the onset of independent walking. We could not identify any changes in load distribution underneath the plantar surface of the foot, suggesting that maturation of foot loading develops at a slower pace.

Keywords: Toddler, Gait, Foot-function, Pedobarography

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PII: S0966-6362(05)00007-X

doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2005.01.003

Gait & Posture
Volume 23, Issue 2 , Pages 142-148, February 2006

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