Article

The present study investigated the visuomotor and balance limitations during
obstacle crossing in typically developing (TD) children and those with
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) (7-9 years old; N=12 per group).
Spatiotemporal gait parameters as well as range and velocity of the centre of
mass (COM) were determined in three conditions: overground walking at a
self-selected speed, crossing a low obstacle and crossing a high obstacle (5% or
30% of the leg length, respectively). Both groups walked more slowly during
obstacle crossing than walking over level ground. In addition, both groups
exhibited a significant decrease in the spatial variability of their foot
placements as they approached the obstacle, which was then negotiated with a
similar strategy. There were no differences in approach distance, length of lead
and trail step, or lead and trail foot elevation. Compared to walking over level
ground, obstacle crossing led to a longer swing phase of the lead and trail foot
and increased maximal medio-lateral COM velocity. In children with DCD, however,
medio-lateral COM velocity was higher and accompanied by significantly greater
medio-lateral COM amplitude. In conclusion, the results indicate that while
TD-children and those with DCD exhibit satisfactory anticipatory control and
adequate visual guidance, the latter group have a reduced ability to control the
momentum of the COM when crossing obstacles that impose increased balance
demands.
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Langue : ANGLAIS