From the Guidelines
Yes, walking is considered a gross motor skill in pediatrics. Gross motor skills involve the coordination of large muscle groups to perform movements like standing, walking, running, and jumping. Walking is a significant developmental milestone that typically emerges between 9-18 months of age, with most children taking their first independent steps around 12 months, as indicated in the study by 1. This skill requires the integration of multiple body systems including muscular strength, balance, coordination, and proprioception (awareness of body position).
Key Points to Consider
- Pediatricians routinely assess walking as part of developmental screening to ensure children are progressing appropriately, as outlined in the guidelines 1.
- Delays in walking may indicate underlying neurological, muscular, or developmental issues that warrant further evaluation, such as those discussed in 1, which highlights the potential impact of otitis media with effusion (OME) on vestibular function and gross motor proficiency in children.
- The development of walking follows a predictable sequence from rolling over to sitting, crawling, pulling to stand, cruising along furniture, and finally independent walking, as described in 1.
- Parents can support walking development by providing safe opportunities for practice and gradually reducing physical support as the child gains confidence and stability.
Clinical Implications
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential association between symptoms like clumsiness, balance problems, or delayed motor development and conditions such as OME, as suggested by 1.
- Targeted questions about these symptoms can help elucidate potential issues and guide further evaluation or intervention.
- The assessment of walking and other gross motor skills is an essential part of comprehensive developmental surveillance, as emphasized in 1.
From the Research
Definition of Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills refer to the abilities that require the use of large muscle groups, such as walking, running, and jumping.
Walking as a Gross Motor Skill in Pediatrics
- Walking is indeed considered a gross motor skill in pediatrics, as it involves the coordination and movement of large muscle groups, including the legs and hips.
- According to the study 2, global developmental delay (GDD) is defined as significant delay in at least two developmental domains, including gross motor skills, in children under 5 years of age.
- The study 3 also supports this, as it discusses developmental coordination disorder (DCD), which affects motor coordination and development of motor skills, including gross motor skills like walking.
Assessment and Management of Gross Motor Skills
- The study 2 recommends developmental screening using standardized tools at specific ages, including 9-12 months and 18-24 months, to assess gross motor skills, including walking.
- The study 3 provides a clinical practice guideline for physical therapy management of children with DCD, which includes strategies for improving gross motor skills, such as walking.