Publication
Title
Changes in mechanical control of movement during the first 5 months of independent walking: a longitudinal study
Author
Abstract
Insight into neuromuscular control of movement is gained through an understanding of the mechanical causes of movement. Data on new walkers' net joint moments is scarce, however, although those moments can be considered the direct cause of movement. The authors' goal in this research project was to characterize net joint moments in toddlers (N = 10) during the first 5 months of independent walking and to discuss their role in mechanical control of walking. The authors modeled leg segments as oscillating pendulums fixed at the proximal joint and investigated the relationship between force and movement. Their investigation revealed that at the onset of independent gait, walking was primarily hip driven. Furthermore, the toddlers seemed to experience problems in uncoupling active and passive control around the joints. Changes in mechanical control of walking were observed after 3 to 4 months of independent walking. The changes were more obvious at the hip and the knee joint than at the ankle.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Journal of motor behavior. - Washington, D.C.
Publication
Washington, D.C. : 2007
ISSN
0022-2895
DOI
10.3200/JMBR.39.3.227-240
Volume/pages
39 :3 (2007) , p. 227-238
ISI
000247086900007
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 03.02.2011
Last edited 23.08.2022
To cite this reference