DAVID V.S.

GOLIATH: A
BIOMECHANICAL ANALYIS
OF WALKING
By: Max Shokrollahzadeh

KINESIOLOGY 314
Dr. Jim Roberts

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................ 2
Methods...................................................................................................................... 4
Toddler Analysis.......................................................................................................... 6
Phase #1: Step Of.................................................................................................. 6
Phase #2: Pre-swing................................................................................................ 8
Phase #3: Heel Strike.............................................................................................. 9
Phase #4: Mid-Swing............................................................................................. 10
Phase #5: Mid-stance............................................................................................ 11
Adult Analysis........................................................................................................... 14
Phase #1: Step Of................................................................................................ 14
Phase #2: Pre-swing.............................................................................................. 15
Phase #3: Heel Strike............................................................................................ 16
Phase #4: Mid-Swing............................................................................................. 17
Phase #5: Mid-stance............................................................................................ 18
Model Comparisons.................................................................................................. 19
Phase #1: Step Of................................................................................................ 19
Phase #2: Pre-swing.............................................................................................. 20
Phase #3: Heel Strike............................................................................................ 21
Phase #4: Mid-Swing............................................................................................. 22
Phase #5 Mid-Stance............................................................................................ 23
Model Diferences..................................................................................................... 24

Shokrollahzadeh 1

Introduction
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step-Lao Tzu
(BrainyQuotes, 2015). Think back to this morning when you woke up. What
were some of the activities that you did this morning? There are rituals that
we all do in the morning which include rolling out of bed, brushing our teeth,
combing our hair. One activity that we all participate in daily is walking.
Walking is the cornerstone of all other forms of exercise. If we cannot walk,
then we never be able to perform other feats of athleticism. Universally,
walking is an activity that the vast majority of healthy humans are capable of
performing. Eliminate walking and you eliminate the ability to live a normal
and accessible life. One thing that is often overlooked is how a developing
child walks in comparison to a fully developed adult. The main reason why I
chose to take on this project is because we as adults do not remember taking
our first step, well most adults, have no recollection and memory of their first
step nor do they remember the first time ever walking across a room and
because of this we do not recall how difficult it was to walk as kids.
Toddlers only begin to stand at twelve months of age and only begin to
walk at twelve and fifteen months (National Library of Medicine, 2015).
Adults, once they fully develop, have some sense of coordination where as
children, especially those who are just beginning to walk, have not achieved
full use of gross motor skills. Toddlers limbs are more elastic then adults

Shokrollahzadeh 2

which makes them more inefficient and restricts their mobility. Also toddlers
have a lower center of gravity which means that they are more stably
located on the ground. Adults, more the most part, have a higher of center of
gravity which means that they are less stable then toddlers. However both of
these diferences equal out because toddlers, as mentioned, have more
flexible limbs and joints which interfere with their mobility. One other
diferent is how big of a stride length that an adult makes compared to a
toddler. My model is only one year and seven months old and he is only
thirty four inches tall and weighs only thirty pounds. I on the other hand
stand at six feet and five inches in length and weight 245 pounds. That is a
drastic diference in height which will lead to diferent angles of joint flexion.
Although there are some fundamental diferences between toddlers and
adults, there are also some similarities too.
Both toddlers and adults walk in the sagittal plane. Even though
toddlers limbs are more elastic then adults they still experience flexion at
the knees, hips, and ankles just like their older counter parts. Also my model
and I both experienced plantar flexion when we walk and our stances were
both shoulder width as well. Also the best place to examine a toddler and
adult walk is the frontal axis which is perpendicular to the sagittal plane.

Shokrollahzadeh 3

Methods
Step 1: The first step in writing about the biomechanical project was to
deciding on a skill to analyze. After some consideration, the decision was
made to compare walking gaits between a toddler and a fully developed
male.
Step 2: After choosing a topic, the next decision that needed to be
made was to find a toddler and also an adult male who would be willing to
participate in the project. Max Mosher was chosen because he was the right
age (roughly one year and nine months) and he also just developed the
ability to walk a few months prior to his selection. This was helpful because
Mosher was still getting acclimated to this new ability which provided for a
raw performance. The fully developed male, Max Shokrollahzadeh, was
chosen because he was a fully developed male. Also, another reason why
Shokrollahzadeh was selected is because he had a distinct height diference
compared to Mosher.
Step 3:

The third step was to record both models walking. A video

camera that could shoot thirty frames per second was needed in order to get
footage for both the toddler and the adult. With the help of Benjamin .T.
Wilson, a local film student who attends Edinboro University, the
experimenter was able to begin filming both subjects. The camera used was
a Panasonic Lumix gf2 with an attachable 25mm micro 4/3 Olympus prime
lense and the shutter speed was set at 60. Both recording were taken in front
Shokrollahzadeh 4

of Darrow Apartment complex Apartment number 511. The recording of

Mosher was taken on the twenty-sixth of September around mid-day. The
footage of Shokrollahzadeh was taken the following weekend on the fourth of
October in the late afternoon.
Step 4: Once both models were recorded, the next step required was to
convert and transfer both videos from the Panasonic Lumix to the computer.
However, an error occurred during the first attempt and another camera was
needed to upload the footage onto the computer. The use of a Sony
Handycam as used and that allowed for a successful upload. Once the
footage was finally useable they then needed to be converted into AVI format
so that they could be analyzed in the smart system. This was accomplished
by taking the videos on the Sony Handycam and uploading them onto a
computer and then run through file converting software. The files were then
stored on a flash drive.
Step 5: After the videos were converted and stored on the flash drive,
the following step that needed to be done was to open both videos into the
SMART computer program. Once the videos were placed in the SMART
system, they then were slowed down in order to examine the diferent
phases for analysis. Once the position is identified, then a kinematic
illustration is needed. One can be created by dragging red dots from diferent
joints of a stick figure and placing those red dots on the video frame that
corresponded to those joints. There were five phases examined for both the
toddler and the adult. With all ten phases completed, the next step required
Shokrollahzadeh 5

made use of the kinematic function on the smart system. This allows for the
stick figures to become illustrated and move. Once completed they need to
be saved into and AVI file.
Step 6: The following portion of the project required the five phases for
both models to have copies of angles and center of gravity, ten for the
toddler and another ten for the adult. This in total is twenty pictures that can
be copied from the clipboard in the SMART system and pasted onto a word
document. This allows for an easier way to observe diferences between the
models and their respective angles and center of gravities. The twenty
pictures break down into five angles and five center of gravities for the
toddler and five angles and five center of gravities for the adult.
Step 7: During this step, the actual analysis of the models begins. The
kinematic illustrations created in the SMART system can be used to generate
both qualitative and quantitative information that is crucial to distinguish
technique between the toddler and the adult. Ultimately, it will show how
much of diferent walking gait there is between a toddler and an adult.

Step 8:

Velocity=

Position
Time

The velocity values can be obtained from the SMART system. Positions are
determined based upon were the frame of one movement ends in comparison to
when one frame starts. After the both positions are found, then the next step that is
required is finding a time. One frame is equivalent to thirty seconds. Once both

Shokrollahzadeh 6

diferences in both position and time are found, then the velocity can be obtained as
well.
Step 9: After all the velocities are calculated, the following calculation
needed is the center of gravity. The center of gravity will be graphed and calculated
for one phase of the toddlers center of gravity. A kinematic illustration of the
toddler will be placed on a piece of graph paper in the first quadrant. Varying body
segments (head, trunk, legs, etc.) are placed on the X and Y axis. Those will be
placed in an excel graph that already has a formula that, once all the coordinates
are entered, will yield the center of gravity coordinate for the kinematic illustration
of the toddler.
Step 10: From here, the information obtained will be used to analyze both the
toddler and the adult. The information will allow for analysis of motor skills, a
comparison of models, and it will also provide diferences between models and
adjustments that can be made for a more efective walking gait.

Shokrollahzadeh 7

Toddler Analysis
Phase #1: Step Of
Frame: 38

Velocity: There is no velocity for this first phase.

Center of Gravity: The starting phase of walking is a push of in which one
foot is being lifted of the ground while the other foot remains planted to the
ground. For the toddler the right foot is lifted and the left foot remains
planted on the ground. The center of gravity is located in the physical
bounds of the toddlers body. Its location is in the anterior portion of the
body, around the rectus abdominis, and is precisely located at the sight of
the naval.
Shokrollahzadeh 8

Planes/Axes: This introductory phase, known as the step of, has the
toddler located in the sagittal plane. Additionally, the toddler is also rotating
around the frontal axis of rotation.
Mechanical Analysis: The toddler, in this first phase, had some anterior
pelvic tilting. The first step had a few joints in a neutral position. Both the
shoulders and hips are in a neutral position in which no flexion or extension
are not occurring. The hip joints have almost identical angles and the
shoulder joints difer by exactly 11 degrees. Both humeroulnar joint joints are
experiencing flexion, however, their degrees of flexion difer greatly from
each other. The carpals in the toddlers hand are flexing. This is a product of
personal preference and not because it allows for any biomechanical
advantage. The right humeroulnar joint has flexion at approximately 177
degrees and the left humeroulnar joint has a flexion of approximately 104
degrees. The agonist being the biceps brachialis and the antagonists being
the triceps. The left knee joint is in somewhat extended position, but the
right knee joint is in more of flexed position. The toddler is also exhibiting
slight hip rotation as well, but the muscles of the hip are in a neutral position.
There is also extension of the right ankle (plantar flexion) occurring during
the step of phase. The left ankle is exhibiting some minor flexion, but it is
minor and probably occurring because of anticipation of pushing of.

Shokrollahzadeh 9

Shokrollahzadeh 10

Phase #2: Pre-swing

Frame: 42

Velocity: The velocity from phase 1 to phase 2 is .13 seconds

Center of Gravity: During this phase, pre-swing, the toddler is beginning

to flex one foot while the other foot is extending. However, the center of
gravity has not changed position and is located in the same spot as in phase
1.
Planes/Axes: During the pre-swing stage the toddler is in the sagittal plane
and he is also rotating around the frontal plane.

Shokrollahzadeh 11

Mechanical Analysis: The toddlers shoulders are in a neutral position

during the pre-swing phase. Both humeroulnar joints are experiencing
various degrees of extension, the left arm (123 degrees) more so then then
the right (154 degrees). The agonist being the biceps brachialis and the
antagonists being the triceps. Also, there is anterior pelvic tilting during the
pre-swing phase as well. In addition there is also hip flexion occurring in both
of the toddlers hips. The right hip, the one that is being directly afected by
the pre-swing, has an angle of 161 degrees. The left hip, not directly afected
by pre-swing, has an angle of 170 degrees. The right knee has an angle of
171 degrees, this is because the toddler is beginning to setup for the next
phase of the analysis (heel strike). The left knee is displaying knee flexion
due to the contraction of the toddlers quadriceps. The right foot is also
exhibiting some dorsiflexion while the left foot is displaying slight
plantarflexion.

Shokrollahzadeh 12

Phase #3: Heel Strike

Frame: 45

Velocity: The velocity from phase 2 to phase 3 is .1 seconds.

Center of Gravity: The third phase is called the heel strike. The heel strike,
like the other two phases, has the center of gravity lying within physical
bounds. The exact spot is in the anterior portion of the body, around the
rectus abdominis, and is precisely located at the sight of the naval.
Planes/Axes: The third phase, known as the heel strike, the toddler is in the
sagittal plane and he is rotating around the frontal axis.
Shokrollahzadeh 13

Mechanical Analysis: The toddler during the heel strike phase has a
normal posture and both shoulders are in a neutral position. Both of the
toddlers humeroulnar joints exhibit signs of flexion as well, the left
humeroulnar joint having 125 degrees of flexion and the right having 157
degrees of flexion. The anterior pelvic tilting, mainly the toddler is leaning
forward. The agonist being the biceps brachialis and the antagonists being
the triceps. The toddlers right wrist is in a neutral position, however, there
left wrist is exhibiting some extension. This does not allow for an
improvement in performance, but is in fact just a preference of the toddlers
walking gait. The right hip is flexing at 165 degrees and the left is flexing at
an angle of 170 degrees. The psoas muscles of the toddler allow for the
flexion of the hip. Both knee joints are in a flexed position, however, the right
knee joint is closer to extension in comparison to the right knee. This is
because when a heel strike the knee which has the foot that is striking the
ground must be placed in an extended position to accommodate the foot.
The right foot is in a neutral flat position and the left foot is plantarflexion.

Shokrollahzadeh 14

Phase #4: Mid-Swing

Frame: 51

Velocity: The velocity from phase 3 to

phase 4 is .2 seconds

Center of Gravity: The fourth phrase is called the mid-swing. Unlike in the
other previous phases the mid-swing has the center of gravity is still located
within the physical bounds of the model. However, the only slight diference
compared to the other phases.
Planes/Axes: The third phase, known as the Mid-swing, the toddler is in the
sagittal plane and he is rotating around the frontal axis.

Shokrollahzadeh 15

Mechanical Analysis: The right shoulder of the toddler is flexing and the
left shoulder is extending. Both humeroulnar joints are flexing due to the
contraction of the biceps brachialis. There is a slight diference in the
degrees of the flexion between both joints. The right humeroulnar joint has
flexion at 107 degrees and the left humeroulnar joint has flexion at 150
degrees. Both wrists are in a neutral position and so are the fingers as well.
The toddler has some anterior pelvic tilting, but only to a certain degree. The
right hip is in a neutral position with an angle of 180 degrees. The left hip on
the other hand is flexing at a much greater degree, 142 degrees to be exact,
and is using the contraction of the right psoas muscles to allow for flexion.
The right knee joint is flexing at 163 degrees due to the contraction of the
quadriceps. The left knee joint is flexing and is doing so by the contraction of
the quadriceps. The right ankle joint is flexing and the right foot is starting to
show signs of plantarflexion. The left ankle is a slight extended position and
the left foot is in a neutral position.

Shokrollahzadeh 16

Phase #5: Mid-stance

Frame: 54

Velocity: The velocity from phase 4 to phase 5 is .1 seconds.

Center of Gravity: The fifth phase is the mid-stance. The mid-stance, like
the other two phases, has the center of gravity lying within physical bounds.
The exact spot is in the anterior portion of the body, around the rectus
abdominis, and is precisely located at the sight of the naval.
Planes/Axes: The third phase, known as the mid-stance, the toddler is in
the sagittal plane and he is rotating around the frontal axis.
Mechanical Analysis: The right shoulder of the toddler has some minor
shoulder flexion, but only barely. The left shoulder is extending during the
mid-stance phase. The right humeroulnar joint is in a neutral position with
Shokrollahzadeh 17

the joint angle at 179 degrees. The left humeroulnar joint is flexing with the
joint angle at 123 degrees. The flexion of the humeroulnar joint is because of
the contraction of the biceps brachialis. Both of the toddlers wrists and
hands are in a neutral position in the mid-stance phase. The toddlers
posture is upright, so therefore the spine is in a neutral position. Both of the
hips are flexing during this phase and do so with the contraction of the psoas
muscles. The knees are also experiencing flexion as well. They experience
flexion whenever there is a contraction of the quadriceps. Both of the ankle
joints are extending, the right ankle 99 degrees at the joint and the left foot
131 degrees at the joint. Both left and right feet are in a state of dorsiflexion
during the mid-stance.

Shokrollahzadeh 18

Anatomical Analysis of A Motor Skill

Skill Analyzed: Walking
Phase Analyzed: Heel Strike

Joint
Metatarsal phalangeal
Ankle
Knee
Hip
Pelvis
Lumbar spine
Thoracic spine
Cervical spine
Shoulder girdle
Shoulder joint
Elbow
Radioulnar
Wrist
Phalanges

Start position

Joint Action

Force of movement

Flexed
Dorsi
Flexed
Flexed
Tilted
Flexed
Flexed
Flexed
Netural/Anatomical
None/Anatomical
Flexed
Medial
Anatomical
Flexed

Dorsi Flexion
Flexion/Rotation
Flexion
Flexion/rotation
Rotation
Flexion/Tilted
Flexion/Tilted
Flexion/Tilted
Neutral
Neutral
Flexion
Flexion/axial
Neutral
Flexion

Muscle
Muscle
Muscle
Muscle
Muscle
Muscle
Muscle
Muscle
Muscle
Muscle
Muscle
Muscle
Muscle
Muscle

Agonist

Contraction

F
c

Tibialis Anterior
Tibialis Anterior
Quads
Quads
Ham Strings
Lats
Lats
Lats
Deltiods
Deltiods
Biceps
Biceps
N/A
Ulner Bursa

Concentric
Concentric
Concentric
Concentric
Isometric
Isometric
Isometric
Isometric
Isometric
Isometric
Concentric
Concentric
Concentric
Concentric

M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M

Anatomical Analysis

Shokrollahzadeh 19

Center of Gravity
The following center of gravity that was plotted as for the toddler during the
mid-stance stage.

Head
Trunk
Upper arm
(Right)
Upper arm
(Left)
Forearm
(Right)
Forearm (Left)
Hand (Right)
Hand (Left)
Thigh (Right)
Thigh (Left)
Lower leg
(Right)
Lower leg (Left)
Foot (Right)
Foot (Left)

X
variable
4.35
4.6

Product
0.35931
2.15464

Segment weight
0.0826
0.4684

0.0325

4.9

0.15925

0.0325

4.3

0.0187
0.0187
0.0065
0.0065
0.105
0.105

4.2
4.9
4.1
3.5
4.25
4.5

0.0475
0.0475
0.0143
0.0143

Segment weight
0.0826
0.4684

Center of Gravity coordinates->

Y
variable
5.6
4.35

Product
0.46256
2.03754

0.0325

4.5

0.14625

0.13975

0.0325

4.7

0.15275

0.0187
0.0187
0.0065
0.0065
0.105
0.105

4
4.1
3.3
4.6
2.55
3

0.0748
0.07667
0.02145
0.0299
0.26775
0.315

4.75

0.07854
0.09163
0.02665
0.02275
0.44625
0.4725
0.22562
5

0.0475

2.2

4.45
5.1
4

0.211375
0.07293
0.0572

0.0475
0.0143
0.0143

1.75
1.1
1

0.1045
0.08312
5
0.01573
0.0143

4.5184

3.80232
5

Shokrollahzadeh 20

Shokrollahzadeh 21

Adult Analysis
Phase #1: Step Of
Frame: 0

Velocity: There is no velocity during phase one.

Center of Gravity:

Planes/Axes: This introductory phase, known as the step of, has the adult
located in the sagittal plane. Additionally, the adult is also rotating around
the frontal axis of rotation.

Shokrollahzadeh 22

Mechanical Analysis: The adult, in this first phase, has a neutral spine.
However, the adult has poor posture which makes the figure have a head
that is tilting downward. Both the shoulders and hips are in a neutral position
in which no flexion or extension are not occurring. The shoulders are in two
diferent positions. The right shoulder is in a neutral position with the joint
angle at 3 degrees. The left shoulder in experiencing extension and has a
joint angle of approximately 16 degrees. Both humeroulnar joint joints are
experiencing flexion, however, their degrees of flexion difer greatly from
each other. The right humeroulnar joint has slight flexion, 171 degrees at the
joint. The left humeroulnar joint has much greater flexion which is 160
degrees at the joint. The agonist being the biceps brachialis and the
antagonists being the triceps for both. Both hips are flexing, but the right
hips is closer to a neutral position (171 degrees) and the left hip in more of a
flexed position (135 degrees). This is because the left leg is preparing to
make the first step. The left ankle extends during the step of phase for the
adult. However, the right ankles does not and is in a neutral position. Both
feet are in a position of plantarflexion during the step of phase.

Shokrollahzadeh 23

Phase #2: Pre-swing

Frame: 4

Velocity: The velocity from phase 1 to phase 2 is .14 seconds

Center of Gravity: During this phase, pre-swing, the adult is beginning to

flex one foot while the other foot is extending. However, the center of gravity
has is located in the physical bounds of the adult. Its location is in the
anterior portion of the body, around the rectus abdominis, and is precisely
located at the sight of the naval.
Planes/Axes: During the pre-swing stage the adult is in the sagittal plane
and he is also rotating around the frontal plane.
Shokrollahzadeh 24

Mechanical Analysis: The adults right shoulder is in a neutral position

during the pre-swing phase. The left shoulder is extended during this phase.
Both humeroulnar joints are experiencing various degrees of flexion, the left
arm (167 degrees) more so then then the right (152 degrees). The agonist
being the biceps brachialis and the antagonists being the triceps for both
humeroulnar joints. In addition there is also hip flexion occurring in the adults
left and right hips. The left hip, the hip directly afected by the pre-swing, has
an angle of 158 degrees. The right hip, not directly afected by pre-swing,
has an angle of 170 degrees. However, both are flexing because the psoas
muscles located in each of the respected hips. The right knee is flexing and
has an angle of 168 degrees and the left knee is flexing at 164 degrees. Both
move because of a contraction of the quadriceps on each leg. Both ankles
are slightly flexed the right joint at 87 degrees and the left at 88 degrees.
The right foot is also exhibiting some dorsiflexion while the left foot is
displaying slight plantarflexion.

Shokrollahzadeh 25

Phase #3: Heel Strike

Frame: 7

Velocity: The velocity from phase 2 to phase 3 is .1 seconds

Center of Gravity: The third phase is called the heel strike. The heel strike
has the center of gravity lying within physical bounds. The exact spot is in
the anterior portion of the body, around the rectus abdominis, and is
precisely located at the sight of the naval.
Planes/Axes: The third phase, known as the heel strike, the adult is in the
sagittal plane and he is rotating around the frontal axis.
Mechanical Analysis: The adult during the heel strike phase has a
posterior pelvic tilt and the right shoulder is in a neutral position. The left
Shokrollahzadeh 26

shoulder on the other hand is extended and is measured at 13 degrees at the

shoulder joint. The adults left humeroulnar joint shows signs of flexion and
the right humeroulnar joint is in a neutral position. The agonist being the
biceps brachialis and the antagonists being the triceps for the left
humeroulnar joint. The adults right wrist is in a neutral position, however,
there left wrist is exhibiting some extension. The right hip is flexing at 171
degrees and the left is flexing at an angle of 162 degrees. The psoas muscles
of the adult allow for the flexion of the hip. Both knee joints are in a flexed
position, the right knee joint being 148 degrees and the left being 162
degrees. Both knees are flexed due to the contraction of the quadriceps
muscles. The adults right ankle is in a flexed position with the joint at 122
degrees. Unlike the right ankle, the left ankle of the adult is in a neutral
position. This because the left foot is the striking foot and is therefore flat
touching the ground. The right foot is in plantarflexion flat position and the
left foot is neutral.

Shokrollahzadeh 27

Phase #4: Mid-Swing

Frame: 14

Velocity: The velocity from phase 3 to phase 4 is .23 seconds

Center of Gravity: The four phase is the mid-swing. The mid-swing, like the
other two phases, has the center of gravity lying within physical bounds. The
exact spot is in the anterior portion of the body, around the rectus
abdominis, and is precisely located at the sight of the naval.
Planes/Axes: The third phase, known as the Mid-swing, the adult is in the
sagittal plane and he is rotating around the frontal axis.

Shokrollahzadeh 28

Mechanical Analysis: During this stage, the mid-swing phase, the adults
right shoulder is in a neutral shoulder position. The adults left shoulder is
flexed, but not by that much. Both humeroulnar joints are flexing due to the
contraction of the biceps brachialis. There is a slight diference in the
degrees of the flexion between both joints. The right humeroulnar joint has
flexion at 176 degrees and the left humeroulnar joint has flexion at 141
degrees. Both wrists are in a neutral position and the fingers are as well. The
adults has a neutral pelvic tilt and a neutral spine as well. The right hip is in a
flexed position with an angle of 169 degrees. The left hip on the other hand
is in a neutral position with an angle of 180 degrees at the sight of the joint.
The contraction of the right psoas muscles allow for flexion of the right hip.
The right knee joint is flexing at 162 degrees due to the contraction of the
quadriceps muscles. The left knee joint is flexing and is doing so by the
contraction of the quadriceps muscles as well. The right ankle joint is flexing
and the right foot in plantarflexion. The left ankle is a slight extended
position and the left foot and is in a somewhat plantarflexed position.

Shokrollahzadeh 29

Phase #5: Mid-stance

Frame: 22

Velocity: The velocity from phase 4 to phase 5 is .27 seconds

Center of Gravity: The fitfth phase is the mid-stance. The mid-stance, like
the other two phases, has the center of gravity lying within physical bounds.
The exact spot is in the anterior portion of the body, around the rectus
abdominis, and is precisely located at the sight of the naval.
Planes/Axes: The third phase, known as the mid-stance, the adult is in the
sagittal plane and he is rotating around the frontal axis.
Shokrollahzadeh 30

Mechanical Analysis: During the final phase of the analysis, the midstance, the adults shoulders are both in extension. Both of the adults
humeroulnar joints are flexed because of the contraction of the biceps
brachialis of each respective arm, also both wrists are flexed as well. The
adult also has a neutral hip posture and spine which places the adult in
upright posture (for the most part). Both hips are experiencing flexion during
the mid-stance phase which is only occurring because of the contraction of
the psoas muscles in each individual leg. The right knee is just shy of being
in a neutral positon (179 degrees) while the left knee is a flexed position
(119). The adults ankles are in a flexed position the right ankle (110
degrees) and the left (121 degrees). The left and right feet of the adult are
also in plantarflexion.

Shokrollahzadeh 31

Model Comparisons
Phase #1: Step Of
Adult
Toddler

Differences in Angles: One of the distinguishing characteristic that difer

between the toddler and the model is the posture between the two. The
toddler is in a more upright position and the adult is in a slouched position.
This examination shows that the adult has poor posture, and in the future,
should attempt to improve it. Another diference is the position of the
shoulder during the first phase. Both of the toddlers shoulders are in a
flexed position, but the adult has one shoulder in a neutral position and
Shokrollahzadeh 32

another in an extended position. Both models have humeroulnar joint flexion

and hip flexion as well. Although, each of the models have both at varying
degrees. The adult has wrist flexion occurring in the right wrist and the
toddler has both wrists in a neutral position. Another diference is that the
adult has one leg in front of the other and the toddlers legs are parallel to
each other. The adult has a neutral pelvic position while the toddler has an
anterior pelvic position. One interesting observation is that of the knee
flexion of the two models. The adults right knee is just barely flexing and is
close to a neutral position while the left knee is in a true flexed position. In
comparison, the toddler has both knees in a flexed position that do not vary
much from each other. Both of the toddler and adult have flexed joints of the
ankle and both models have feet in plantarflexion.
Center of Gravity: The center of gravity between the toddler and the adult
are in the exact anatomical spot during the step of phase. The only
diference would be that numerical point on each model would be diferent.
This is because of the height diference between the adult and toddler.
Recommendations: There are not many recommendations that can be
made that will help either model become more efficient at walking. Most of
the diferences between the adult and the toddler are because of their
individual stances. However, there is one recommendation that can be made
for the toddler during the step of stage. The toddler should flex his knee that
is going to step of more. This could be done if he were to work at achieving
a greater balance. This enhanced balance will occur after the toddler goes
Shokrollahzadeh 33

through puberty and grows taller (H. Snyder, lecture notes, September 9,
2015). Also the adult should attempt to fix his posture in the future.

Shokrollahzadeh 34

Phase #2: Pre-swing

Adult

Toddler

Differences in Angles: The toddler has better posture in comparison to the

adult. However, the adult has a neutral pelvic position while the toddler has
an anterior pelvic position. Both models have shoulder flexion and
humeroulnar flexion as well. Both models are exhibiting hip flexion as well
and the diference between the each joint is almost 10 degrees for both
models. Additionally, both adult and toddler are experiencing knee flexion as
well during the pre-swing phase. The toddlers knee flexion has diference of
11 degrees and the adult has diference of only 4 degrees. The toddlers left
knee is in more of a flexed position because it adds more balance and
stability during the pre-swing phase. Both of the models have flexed ankle
Shokrollahzadeh 35

joints and the majority of their feet are in plantarflexion expect for the
toddlers right foot which is in dorsiflexion.
Center of Gravity: The center of gravity between the toddler and the adult
are in the exact anatomical spot during the pre-swing phase. The only
diference would be that numerical point on each model would be diferent.
This is because of the height diference between the adult and toddler.
Recommendations: Again, there are not too many obvious adjustments
that can be recommended to help either model. The most obvious is the
posture of the adult figure needs to improve. Likewise, should the toddler
improve his balance, then his overall flexion, stride, and stability would
improve as well.

Shokrollahzadeh 36

Phase #3: Heel Strike

Adult
Toddler

Differences in Angles: The toddler still has a better posture in comparison

to the adult who is slouched over. The child has both shoulders in a flexed
position, while the adult has a right shoulder is in a neutral position and the
left shoulder is in an extended position. The adult has noticeable posterior
pelvic tilting and the toddler has some minor anterior pelvic tilting. Both of
the toddlers humeroulnar joints are in a flexed position and the adult has his
left humeroulnar joint is in a flexed position, but his right humeroulnar is in a
neutral position. Both of the models experience hip flexion for both left and
right joints. They actually have the same angle of flexion at the right hip
Shokrollahzadeh 37

joint. Both of the models experience knee flexion as well. They also have
fairly similar degrees of flexion. The diference between the toddlers and
adults right knee is only 2 degrees and the diference between the left hip
joint is one degree. Both models have one ankle in a neutral position and
another ankle in a flexed position. Likewise, each model has one foot in a
neutral position and another foot in plantarflexion.
Center of Gravity: The center of gravity between the toddler and the adult
are in the exact anatomical spot heel strike phase. The only diference would
be that numerical point on each model would be diferent. This is because of
the height diference between the adult and toddler.
Recommendations: Again, there are not too many obvious adjustments
that can be recommended to help either model. The most obvious is the
posture of the adult figure needs to improve. The majority of the angles of
flexion are similar in value and the other things such as the humeroulnar
joints do not directly impact. However, one recommendation for the toddler
that should be put into consideration deals directly with his right ankle joint.
A comparison between the two shows that the adult is extending his more
than the toddler which will allow him to have a greater mid-stance pose.
However, it should be noted that the adult has both an genetic and
developmental advantage over the toddler.

Shokrollahzadeh 38

Shokrollahzadeh 39

Phase #4: Mid-Swing

Adult
Toddler

Differences in Angles: The toddler still has a better posture in comparison

to the adult who is slouched over. The child has both shoulders in a flexed
position, while the adult has a right shoulder is in a neutral position and the
left shoulder is in an extended position. The adult has neutral pelvic tilting
and the toddler has some minor anterior pelvic tilting. Both of the toddlers
humeroulnar joints are in a flexed position and so does the adult. Both of the
models have one of their hip joints in a neutral position (the right for the
adult and the left in the toddler) and the two other joints are in flexion. Both
of the models experience knee flexion as well. They also have stark

Shokrollahzadeh 40

diferences in their degrees of flexion. The diference between the adults

knee flexion is only two degrees between both joints. The diference between
both of the toddlers knee joints is 16 degrees. The toddler has all of his
ankle joints in an extended position and the adult has his right ankle in an
extended position, but his left ankle is in a flexed position.
Center of Gravity: The center of gravity is slightly diferent during the midswing for the toddler and adult. The adults center of gravity located in the
naval, but the toddlers is located on the anterior portion of the rectus of
abdominis on the toddlers right side. The reason why this may be diferent is
due to the toddler having a lack of balance which caused a shift in the center
of gravity.
Recommendations: Again, there are not too many obvious adjustments
that can be recommended to help either model. The most obvious is the
posture of the adult figure needs to improve. Likewise, should the toddler
improve his balance, then his overall flexion, stride, and stability would
improve as well.

Shokrollahzadeh 41

Phase #5 Mid-Stance
Adult

Toddler

Differences in Angles: The toddler still has a better posture in comparison

to the adult who is slouched over. The child has both shoulders in a flexed
position, while the adult has a right shoulders in an extended position. The
adult has neutral pelvic tilting and the toddler has neutral pelvic tilting as
well. The toddler has his right humeroulnar joint in a neutral position at 179
degrees and his left humeroulnar joint in a flexed position at 123 degrees.
The adult has both humeroulnar joints in a flexed postion (the right at 174
degrees and the left at 166 degrees). The toddler has his wrists in a neutral
Shokrollahzadeh 42

position while the adult has both wrists in a flexed position. The adult and
toddler both experience hip flexion during the mid-stance phase. The adult
has his right knee joint in a neutral position of 179 degrees and his left knee
joint is flexed at 119 degrees. The toddler on the other hand has both of his
knees in flexion (the right knee being 157 degrees and the left knee being
143 degrees). The toddler has all of his ankle joints in an extended position.
Likewise, the adult has all of this ankle joints in an extended position.
Center of Gravity: The center of gravity between the toddler and the adult
are in the exact anatomical spot during the pre-swing phase. The only
diference would be that numerical point on each model would be diferent.
This is because of the height diference between the adult and toddler.
Recommendations: Again, there are not too many obvious adjustments
that can be recommended to help either model. The most obvious is the
posture of the adult figure needs to improve. However, one recommendation
that should be that the toddler straighten out his right knee to allow for a
better stance and a more natural position. However, this recommendation
cannot be put into full efect until the toddler is at an older age and has more
muscular development.

Shokrollahzadeh 43

Model Diferences
Flexibility: The adult had a greater range of motion in comparison to the
toddler. In contrast the toddler had much greater flexibility then the adult
who had horrible posture and was not as flexible. However, for walking it
does not matter a great how flexible an individual. What matters is the stride
and the adult had a clear advantage in that regard. The toddler must develop
more before creating a better stride.
Skill: The skill between the two is vastly diferent. The adult has been
walking for almost two decades, while the toddler has only been walking for
almost six months. However, even though the two have greatly diferent
skills, the toddler still had a few phases that paralleled the adult.
Strength: The toddler, obviously, needs to develop more before he
becomes more efficient at walking. He currently is still just a novice, but
given a few more moths he will most likely become familiar with the skill and
will be able to walk with proficiency. The adult should continue to correct his
posture which will in turn provide him with a more natural stance and better
lumbar support.

Shokrollahzadeh 44

Bibliography
BrainyQuotes. (2015, September 8). Retrieved from BrainyQuotes:
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/laotzu137141.html
National Library of Medicine. (2015, November 16). Retrieved from Medline
Plus: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002010.htm
Snyder, H. (Fall, 2015). Lecture Notes
.

Shokrollahzadeh 45