Asymmetry of gait in normal children demonstrated by polarized light goniometry

Abstract

Polarized light goniometry recordings were obtained from 46 neurologically normal children aged 4-15 yr. Asymmetry in terms of thigh and knee angle differences between right and left legs was common in children aged less than 10 yr but uncommon in children aged more than 10 yr. This asymmetry was predominantly in the direction of more flexion on the right side. The tendency for goniometric asymmetry to mirror asymmetry on clinical examination was slight and did not reach statistical significance. Angular asymmetry during gait, which occurs in some children under 10 yr of age, may be related to unequal rates of maturation of the 2 hemispheres. Other minor neurological asymmetries, neuro-anatomical asymmetries and postural asymmetries, which may be found in normal children, are discussed.