ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Identify the effect of visual distraction on gait parameters in children and describe the role of walking experience (WE) in the management of visual distraction. METHODS: Forty-two typically developing children, mean age 43.2 months (SD = 22.9) participated and were divided into three groups according to WE: early walkers (6-11 months of WE), preschool walkers (12-37 months of WE), and experienced walkers (38-79 months of WE). Gait parameters measured under two conditions (no visual distraction and with visual distraction) included: velocity, step length, step width, and double limb support percentage (DLS%) of gait cycle. Multivariate analysis of variance assessed differences in gait between groups (effect of WE) and within groups (effect of condition). RESULTS: Significant main effects of WE group F(8,74) = 5.300, p ≤.001 and visual distraction condition F(4,36) = 2.586, p = 0.053 were found. Visual environmental distraction significantly affected gait performance in children regardless of walking experience. Velocity decreased from 110.04 to 97.73 cm/sec (p = 0.003) while DLS% of gait cycle increased from 18.29% to 20.39% (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest physical therapists need to consider attentional requirements when assessing gait; even in children with more WE. If attention to task is a limiting factor for performance or learning of a motor task, it may need to be addressed directly as part of the treatment plan.
