Inter-joint coordination changes during walking in typically developing children: the vector coding analysis

Background: Despite the well-known relationship between gait and brain function in development, there is much to be unveiled. Aim: We have evaluated the complexity of gait in children from 5 to 10 years. Method: 11 boys and 17 girls were divided into three groups according to their ages. The right lower limb kinematics was analyzed during walking. CV was applied to verify the complexity of movement and vector coding evaluated the coordination modes. Results and Interpretation: The mid-stance phase showed to be the most sensitive phase to detect differences in variability and complexity among different ages. Motor development seems to move towards an optimal and complex solution for walking because older children can control more than one joint at the same time.