The R82 Next Step Development Plan Walking Principles The complexity and strength demands of walking are reflected in the length of time it takes an infant to start walking and develop a mature gait. Children with disabilities can have difficulty walking for many reasons and need to be guided and stimulated in taking first steps. Adaptive Walking Patterns The Mustang can be adjusted to assist children with different walking patterns. Children with tightness in their muscles which limit movement in their hips and knees often stand with bent legs in a crouched position. To help improve dynamic muscle stretch, the anterior support with prone tilt can be used. With altered muscle tone and tightness, children often take short steps. To help improve stride length and for a more efficient walking patttern, the Mustang can be configured to give posterior support with a forward tilt. Stages of Walking Development In the early stages of walking, children with movement problems, can display various adaptive standing and walking styles such as bottoms sticking out, flexion of the hips and knees, difficulty stepping, asymmetrical trunk, scissoring and bunny hopping. These walking patterns can persist or emerge as the child grows and they have to work harder to maintain an upright position against gravity, effecting stages of walking development at a later age. Frances explains in more detail 5 Mustang R82 | by Etac
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