Gait Variability During Obstacle Crossing in Children With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose: Obstacle crossing requires different spatial and temporal adaptations than normal walking.This study focused on exploring spatiotemporal gait parameters and their variability during obstacle navigation in children with intellectual disabilities (ID) compared to their typical development (TD) counterparts.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 16 girls with ID and 17 girls with TD aged 8-13 years.Spatial and temporal characteristics, and gait variability were assessed using motion analysis cameras and two force plates.A three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the gait variables in normal walking and obstacle-crossing conditions. Results:The analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters between the groups (P>0.05).Obstacle crossing in both groups resulted in a decrease in double support time and shortening of the stance phase in the trailing leg (P<0.05).The variability in most spatial and temporal parameters was significantly higher in the ID group compared to the TD group (P<0.05). Conclusion:In light of the study's results, the similarity in most spatial-temporal gait parameters, along with increased step-to-step variability among individuals with ID compared to their typically developing counterparts, indicates an appropriate strategy for these individuals to adapt to environmental changes, such as obstacle crossing.However, in the ID group, the trailing leg during obstacle crossing had lower speed and higher variability, indicating reduced motor control and adaptability of this leg, and consequently, an increased risk of collision with obstacles.