Walking pattern in children with and without Down syndrome via a Force-Driven Harmonic Oscillator Model

Authors

Jianhua Wu
Matthew Beerse
Toyin Ajisafe
Huaqing Liang, Marshall UniversityFollow

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

8-2015

Abstract

Children with Down syndrome (DS) display poorer kinematic and kinetic patterns of walking than typically developing ( TD) children. However, little is known on neuromuscular control in children with DS during locomotion. A force driven harmonic oscillator (FDHO) model sheds light on general muscular activation with respect to the gravitational load of the thigh-shank-foot system. The K/G ratio derived from this model represents a scaling between the elastic restoring torque from muscles and soft tissues and the gravitational torque from the weight of the leg during walking. The K/G ratio has shown different muscular function in infant walkers and children with cerebral palsy. This study aimed to compare the K/G ratio between children with and without DS during walking.

Comments

Copyright © 2015 The Authors. All rights reserved.

Recommended Citation

Wu J, Beerse M, Ajisafe T, & Liang H. Walking pattern in children with and without Down syndrome via a force-driven harmonic oscillator model. Poster presentation at the 39th American Society of Biomechanics annual meeting, Columbus, OH, August 5-8, 2015.