Gait Speed, Cadence and Vertical Ground Reaction Forces in Children

Clinical gait analysis is essential to measure and interpret biomechanical parameters related to locomotion. It may assist health professionals while choosing the most appropriate interventions. This study aims to compare biomechanical parameters of the gait of children of different ages and to contrast these findings with the literature. Gait data from children aged 3–9 years old were collected using force platforms. Ground reaction forces were analyzed using an Octave routine. The implemented algorithm allowed the extraction of specific values of force and time. These values are following the literature and shown a well-established biomechanical pattern. However, no differences were found in the biomechanical parameters between the studied age groups. These findings allowed for interesting reflections that were made analyzing and interpreting the results and extrapolating those evidence for the force–time profile of the GRF and its development along with childhood.