Gait variability and control during the walk-to-run transition in adolescents

Age-related differences in stride length variability during an incremental walk-to-run transition (WRT) treadmill protocol revealed that walking may only mature by 13 years old and running may not mature until 15 years old. When analysing how gait patterns are regulated in response to increasing gait speed, it was shown that 10-13-year-olds lack the ability to swiftly adapt their gait patterns to changing task demands. Ongoing neuromuscular development and calibration of the control mechanisms of gait may limit the rate of gait maturation. The present results support that gait patterns have not matured before adolescence.