Abstract :Purpose: The ability to change pathways of different widths is a prerequisite of daily living. However, only a few studies have investigated changes in gait parameters in response to walking on narrow pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of reducing the pathway width on gait parameters in different age groups. 12 elderly (75-65), 12 young adults (27-23) and 12 children (3-6) participated in this study.
Method: Initial instructions related to the specified pathway were given to them. Kinematic parameters including, step length, step width, velocity and joints range of motion of lower extremity were recorded with three dimensional motion tracking.
Results: ANOVA results indicated that all children had somewhat similar kinematic data as young adults, and transition to a narrow pathway impacted all gait characteristics of children.
Conclusion: One of the essential factors that indicate the CNS maturation is mastering of time adjustments. Most postural adjustments possibly emerge at about 4 years of age; the development of postural control during transition step, involving estimation of narrow pathway, slowly matures in children.