GM 1 - 5 years

Question 1

general GM skills for years 1 - 5

Answer 1

7. Gait
• Stepforward, Walk (6+ steps)
8. Propulsion
• Run, jump
9. Single leg stance
• Lift 1 foot, Kick, Step up, Stairs up & down,
Hop
10. Complex gait
• Gallop, Skip, Side skip
11. Complex propulsion
• Jump off /over, Jump rope, Jump repetitions
12. Ball skills
• Throw, catch, bounce

Question 2

walking

Answer 2

• independent
• need a rhythmical pattern
• appropriate BOS
• symmetrical WS
• good pelvic/hip control
• adequate dynamic balance
• ability to alter speed and change directions
• visual, prop, tactile and vestib.

Question 3

walking timeline

Answer 3

emergence: supported walking < 12 months
emerges; independent by 18months (wide BOS, lateral WS, little trunk rotation, hip ER and abd. Knee flx through gait, lil ankle DF in swing. flat foot arch

progression: 2 - 5 yrs have normal adult pattern
- good trunk rotation, natural BOS, reduced pelvic tilt and hip ER/abd. Knee ext before toe off, inc. DF in swing

Question 4

walking atypical responses

Answer 4

toe walking
- stiff gait
- pronated feet (from 2 years on)
asymmetrical/poor trunk or hip rotation 
-abnormal gait patterns for age
- jerky or poor rhythm

Question 5

Walking:
Typical performance
according to
age

Answer 5

two hands held: < 12 mnths
one hand held: 12 approx.
steps alone: 12 -18m
steps fwd: 18m
steps/up 2 feet: 18m
back/side = 3yrs
tip toe = 3y
alternate feet (stairs) = 3y

Question 6

Running

Answer 6

• independent
• need a rhythmical pattern
• appropriate BOS
• symmetrical WS
• good pelvic/hip control
• good trunk and arm mvmt
• adequate dynamic balance
• ability to run at speed and change directions
• spring in toes
• visual, prop, tactile and verbal

Question 7

running typical timeline

Answer 7

emerges = 18 months child is able to trot
commence = 2 years child runs using a lot of body mvmt and poor spring
prog: 2.5 yrs runs with less body mvmt, more spring but may fall when running too fast

Question 8

running typical running over age

Answer 8

3 yrs = run indoors fwds and backwards
4 yrs = runs efficiently (inside and out.), turns on spot and negotiates corners
6yrs = runs well and turns quickly on spot. commences running bckws.

Question 9

Atypical running response

Answer 9

• immature/awkward pattern for age
• jerky/poor rhythm
• can’t negotiate corners/turns without loss of balance/control
• poor spring
• excessive body mvmt
• can’t maintain dynamic balance
• child runs better than they walk due to increased propulsion, check for low tone !!!

Question 10

Complex Gait (gallop, skip)

Answer 10

ability to alternate legs, coordinate skipping and maintain a rhythm. Then be able to alter the timing of the rhythm.

• vis, prop, tactile and vestibular input
• muscle power for spring

Question 11

typical performance of skipping

Answer 11

pre-emergence: 3-5 yrs child can lead with one foot/’gallo’

emerges = 5yrs alternative feet skipping, with adequate rhythm

progression: 6 yrs - skip directional and change timing with cues

Question 12

atypical skipping response

Answer 12

Atypical:

• asymmetrical
• lacks rhythm
• unable to maintain rhythm with altered speed
• only skip with one foot leading
• Asymmetry between legs can be due to poor muscle strength/length/tone, poor balance, sensory impairments etc and requires further investigation
• Lack of rhythm may be associated with lack of coordination

Question 13

squat

Answer 13

15 months be able to squat and pick up toy from floor with good control.

Question 14

atypical squat

Answer 14

• unable to control position with squat (losing balance)
• only stoops (no squat) indicating poor muscle strength/length
• only able to squat whilst propping indicates poor balance
• Inability to control COM = loss of balance
• rapid decline/incline (with knee hyperextension) may indicate poor muscle strength and control