Age-related changes in physical examination and gait parameters in normally developing children and adolescents

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the correlations between physical examinations and gait kinematics, and age-related changes in 47 normally developing children. Physical examinations were not found to be significantly correlated with kinematics, except for Thomas and Staheli tests. Unilateral and bilateral popliteal angles decreased significantly by 2.2 and 1.6 degrees per annum, and ankle dorsiflexion with knee extension and 90 degrees flexion decreased significantly by 0.7 and 0.8 degrees. Physical examinations and gait parameters might represent different dimensions of gait, and care should be taken when assessing gait problems. Age-related changes should be considered when interpreting physical examination and gait kinematics for surgery. J Pediatr Orthop B 22: 153-157 (C) 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B 2013, 22: 153-157