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Department of Sport Biomechanics, Ha.C., Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
Abstract: (10 Views)
Abstract
Introduction: Children with intellectual disabilities (ID) often demonstrate slower gait patterns and reduced postural stability compared with their typically developing (TD) peers. Evidence on how these children negotiate complex tasks such as obstacle crossing, particularly during running, remains scarce. The present study aimed to compare the spatiotemporal and kinetic characteristics of walking and running in children with ID and TD children under normal and obstacle-crossing conditions.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-comparative study, 16 girls with ID (IQ: 50-70) and 17 age-matched TD girls (mean age≈11 years) completed four locomotor tasks: (1) walking on a level walkway without an obstacle (normal gait, NG), (2) walking while crossing an obstacle (OBS), (3) running on a level walkway (normal running, NR), and (4) running while crossing an obstacle (ROBS). Ground reaction forces (GRF) and selected spatiotemporal parameters were captured using two force plates and a motion analysis system. For each dependent variable, a three-factor mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted.
Results: Running speed was the only spatiotemporal variable showing a significant group difference, with the ID group running slower than the TD group (P=0.008). The ID group also demonstrated reduced trailing-limb speed and increased lead-limb cadence compared to TD peers. Most GRF components differed between groups during walking, and obstacle crossing during running significantly modified GRF profiles.
Conclusion: Children with ID adopt distinct gait adaptations and GRF patterns when crossing obstacles, including slower running speeds and more conservative locomotor strategies. These adaptations likely reflect motor control and balance constraints, while elevated vertical and braking forces suggest reduced shock absorption capacity and limited use of propulsive force.
Key words: Intellectual Disability, Gait, Running
Introduction: Children with intellectual disabilities (ID) often demonstrate slower gait patterns and reduced postural stability compared with their typically developing (TD) peers. Evidence on how these children negotiate complex tasks such as obstacle crossing, particularly during running, remains scarce. The present study aimed to compare the spatiotemporal and kinetic characteristics of walking and running in children with ID and TD children under normal and obstacle-crossing conditions.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-comparative study, 16 girls with ID (IQ: 50-70) and 17 age-matched TD girls (mean age≈11 years) completed four locomotor tasks: (1) walking on a level walkway without an obstacle (normal gait, NG), (2) walking while crossing an obstacle (OBS), (3) running on a level walkway (normal running, NR), and (4) running while crossing an obstacle (ROBS). Ground reaction forces (GRF) and selected spatiotemporal parameters were captured using two force plates and a motion analysis system. For each dependent variable, a three-factor mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted.
Results: Running speed was the only spatiotemporal variable showing a significant group difference, with the ID group running slower than the TD group (P=0.008). The ID group also demonstrated reduced trailing-limb speed and increased lead-limb cadence compared to TD peers. Most GRF components differed between groups during walking, and obstacle crossing during running significantly modified GRF profiles.
Conclusion: Children with ID adopt distinct gait adaptations and GRF patterns when crossing obstacles, including slower running speeds and more conservative locomotor strategies. These adaptations likely reflect motor control and balance constraints, while elevated vertical and braking forces suggest reduced shock absorption capacity and limited use of propulsive force.
Key words: Intellectual Disability, Gait, Running
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Pediatric
Received: 2025/08/16 | Accepted: 2026/06/8 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/07/11
Received: 2025/08/16 | Accepted: 2026/06/8 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/07/11
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