Changes in coordination during the first 8 months of independent walking

This study assessed the development of coordination during the first 8 mont hs of independent walking and identified potential hypotheses that may be t ested by further research. The walking gait of a normal child was recorded on video at the onset of independent walking, and thereafter at monthly int ervals over a period of 8 months. Video images were digitized and 3-dimensi onal coordinates obtained. The coefficient of variation was used to measure variability in the movement. Other variables studied included range of mov ement, relationships between angles. angular velocities, timing relationshi ps, proportional distance and temporal phasing. By adopting a dynamical sys tems perspective, this study identified variables that challenged the stabi lity of the locomotor system. Coordinative structures were observed to shif t from one state to another from age 18 months; such mutations included dec reased range of motion, hip-knee angle relationship that resemble mature wa lking, relative time of peak angular velocity, and stability of angle-angul ar velocity phasing.