Three-dimensional gait analysis of typically developing children in the MENA region

Normative gait data for typically developing children (TDC) is essential for identifying gait abnormalities and understanding age-related changes. Region-specific datasets are needed due to reported variations in lower limb gait parameters across countries (Ito et al., 2022; Lythgo et al., 2011; Smith et al., 2016). Currently, no normative gait database exists for TDC in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The Gait Deviation Index (GDI), which is a measure of gait quality (where 100 indicates no gait deviation), varies with age and body mass index in children (Schwartz & Rozumalski, 2008). However, the potential influence of walking speed on the GDI score has not yet been investigated.