Early independent walking: A longitudinal study of load perturbation effects

• DOI: 10.1002/dev.20377
• Publication Date: 2009-04-13T13:21:00Z
• Authors: Beatrix Vereijken; Arve Vorland Pede...; Jan Harry Størksen
• Keywords: Power walking

Abstract This study investigated infants' ability to adapt experimentally induced changes in their body dimensions at walk onset, and how this is affected by increased walking experience. Fifteen infants were studied over first 6 months of independent with a load perturbation design. They traversed walkway loads symmetrically placed around the shoulders, waist, or ankles, without loading. At fell more shoulder ankle than waist no loads. Shoulder further resulted higher speed longer steps, while larger foot rotation. Ankle disrupted proficiency most, as indicated lower speed, shorter rotation, smaller step‐to‐step angle. Step width was not differentially conditions. With experience, across all conditions, but lagged behind other Loading effects are discussed respect experience position on body. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 374–383, 2009.