An increasing body of research suggests that physical activity can yield beneficial impacts on the locomotion and postural alignment of children and adolescents. Consistent engagement in physical activity can enhance muscle strength, flexibility, and equilibrium, all of which are conducive to proper posture and enhanced gait. Comparisons between active and sedentary peers have revealed that children participating in regular physical activities exhibit superior posture and walking abilities. Furthermore, research has illustrated that regular exercise can result in enhancements in walking velocity, stride length, and various other facets of ambulation. An emerging concern in recent years pertains to the appropriate gait of children, prompting parents to question the normalcy and correctness of their child’s walking. While most instances of worry regarding a child’s walking pattern typically align with normal developmental stages, there are occasions where deviations in gait are identified during specialized assessments. The underlying factors contributing to these issues can vary significantly and are closely linked to the child’s age, medical background, and familial medical history.
The Effects Of Physical Activity On Improving Gait And Posture In Children And Adolescents
Published in JPASE Journal (Volume 6, Issue 2, December 2023)
Abstract
Assessment of gait is part of physical examination and can help in examining a range of physical anomalies and problems (Andriacchi TP et al., 2000). Another important health parameter in children is correct posture. The human upright posture is governed by a sophisticated control mechanism involving the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. These systems undergo developmental changes at varying stages, with the somatosensory system reaching maturity first, followed by the visual system, and finally the vestibular system (Hirabayashi and Iwasaki, 1995). Identifying and assessing these parameters can serve as a good basis for determining and using appropriate rehabilitation methodologies, especially in children and adolescents. The main objective of this research project is to demonstrate the effects that programmed physical activity may have on improving gait and posture in children and adolescents in primary education. Some other objectives include measuring and assessing anthropometric parameters (weight, height, BMI), measuring and assessing body composition, measuring and assessing gait, measuring and assessing posture in children and adolescents. Engaging in consistent physical activity has been found to enhance muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, thereby promoting proper posture and improved walking abilities. Research indicates that children who participate in regular physical activities exhibit superior posture and walking skills in comparison to their sedentary counterparts. Moreover, studies have demonstrated that regular exercise can result in enhancements in walking speed, step length, and various components of gait.
Keywords
children, adolescents, gait, posture, exercise programs.
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