Foot arch shape and its link to walking speed, gait timing, and leg reaction time in older adults
Relationship Between Foot Arch Structure, Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters, and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Balikesir University · NCT07582367
See if foot arch shape relates to walking speed, gait timing, and leg reaction time in people aged 65 and older.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Balikesir University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Balıkesir, Bigadiç) |
| Trial ID | NCT07582367 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a cross-sectional observational analysis of older adults who can walk independently, using bedside and lab measures to explore relationships among foot arch structure, gait parameters, and cognitive-motor performance. Foot arch integrity will be measured with the Navicular Drop Test while gait will be quantified using the 10-Meter Walk Test and spatiotemporal parameters. Cognitive-motor interaction will be probed by measuring lower-extremity reaction time with a light-based system and standard cognitive screening will be used to ensure participants meet cognitive inclusion criteria. No interventions are applied; data are collected during a single assessment visit at the study site.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older who can walk at least 10 meters without assistive devices and can understand and follow testing procedures.
Not a fit: People with diagnosed neurological diseases affecting gait, dementia or MMSE below 24, recent major lower-limb or spinal surgery, severe balance disorders, or uncorrected sensory impairments are unlikely to receive benefit from this observational assessment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help clinicians spot foot-related mobility or cognitive-motor risks and guide targeted prevention or rehabilitation strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown links between foot biomechanics and gait, and some studies suggest gait changes relate to cognition, but combining foot-arch measures with reaction-time based cognitive-motor testing in older adults is only moderately established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65 years or older * Able to walk independently for at least 10 meters without assistive devices * Able to understand study procedures and provide informed consent * Having sufficient cognitive and physical capacity to comply with the assessment protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed neurological disorders affecting gait and motor control (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis) * Diagnosed dementia or Alzheimer's disease, or Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score below 24 * Severe visual or hearing impairment that cannot be corrected and may affect reaction time testing * History of major lower extremity or spinal surgery within the last 6 months Severe musculoskeletal conditions affecting gait (e.g., advanced osteoarthritis, severe pain, active inflammation, open wounds, or recent fractures in the lower extremity) * Presence of severe balance disorders (e.g., vertigo)
Where this trial is running
Balıkesir, Bigadiç
- Balikesir University — Balıkesir, Bigadiç, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ebru Tekin, Lecturer
- Email: ebrutekin123@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 266 614 69 11
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Gait, Foot Biomechanics, Cognitive Function