Carolyn N. Burnett

Development of Gait in Childhood: Part II

Twenty‐eight children were filmed sequentially throughout the initial period of independent gait. Pelvic tilt and pelvic rotation were observed prior to independent gait or shortly thereafter. With few exceptions, heel strike, flexion at mid‐stance and a mature foot and knee mechanism appeared within 40 weeks following the initiation of independent gait. In every case, these characteristics were present by 55 weeks. The width of base narrowed within the lateral dimensions of the trunk and synchronous upper extremity movement was observed by this time also. It would appear that the adult pattern of gait appears significantly earlier than is generally accepted.

Effects of vestibular rehabilitation and social reinforcement on recovery following ablative vestibular surgery

This study investigated the relative effects of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) and social reinforcement (SR) on recovery following ablative vestibular surgery. Twenty‐four subjects were randomly assigned to three treatment groups of either VR with SR, VR without SR, or general range of motion (ROM) exercises with SR. Outcome measures included equilibrium scores in dynamic posturography, asymmetry index in rotation testing, motion sensitivity quotient (MSQ), and dizziness handicap inventory (DHI). A multiple comparison of the overall outcome measures showed no significant differences in group performance over an 8‐week period. When individual outcome measures were compared, MSQ and DHI results at the end of the 8‐week treatment period revealed less motion sensitivity and dizziness handicap in groups who received VR, with or without SR, as compared with the group who received ROM exercises. These results suggest that after a vestibular injury most patients can effectively utilize central compensation mechanisms to recover from such an injury, regardless of the type of therapeutic intervention used. On the other hand, the reduction in motion sensitivity and dizziness handicap for patients who received VR could indicate a more rapid and complete recovery for these patients. This investigation is continuing as a long‐term follow‐up study to determine whether there are any long‐term benefits in participating in a VR program.

Development of Gait in Childhood. Part I: Method

An assessment of methods by which to study the development of independent locomotion in the child was made. Changes in the position of the hip and knee were measured directly from film frames and these measurements were compared with those obtained electro‐goniometrically. Electrogoniometry appeared to be the more accurate method.