How flat feet affect walking on level and inclined surfaces
Investigation of the Effects of Pes Planus Deformity on Gait Parameters at Different Inclines
This project will test whether flexible flat feet change how healthy adults aged 18-35 walk on flat versus inclined treadmills.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07155577 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study will compare gait spatiotemporal measures and pelvic kinematics in healthy adults with bilateral flexible pes planus versus controls during level and inclined treadmill walking. Pes planus will be confirmed with the Jack's toe-raise test and quantified with the navicular drop test. Walking speed, cadence, stride length, stance and swing percentages, gait cycle duration, and pelvic tilt/obliquity/rotation symmetry will be recorded using a BTS-G wireless sensor system while participants wear standard sports shoes. Data will be analyzed to identify biomechanical differences across surface inclines and inform individualized rehabilitation or footwear strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are healthy adults 18-35 years old with bilateral, asymptomatic flexible pes planus, normal BMI, no orthotic use, and no recent lower-extremity injury or surgery.
Not a fit: People older than 35, those with rigid flatfoot, chronic ankle instability, recent lower-extremity surgery or injury, or current orthotic use are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help tailor rehabilitation exercises and footwear recommendations for people with flexible flat feet.
How similar studies have performed: Prior gait research has documented kinematic changes associated with pes planus on level ground, but few studies have directly compared level and inclined walking, so this work extends existing methods to a less-studied condition.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \*\*Pes Planus Group * Age 18-35 years * Normal BMI * Bilateral, asymptomatic flexible pes planus * Navicular drop ≥10 mm (both feet) * Willing and able to provide informed consent and complete the procedure. \*\*Healthy Control Group * Age 18-35 years * Normal BMI * No pes planus deformity; otherwise healthy and able to complete procedures Exclusion Criteria:\*\* both groups * Use of orthotics/insoles * Musculoskeletal disorders affecting gait (other than pes planus in the case group) * Lower extremity injury or surgery within the last 6 months * Chronic ankle instability * Any treatment related to the lower extremity/pes planus within the last 6 months
Where this trial is running
Ankara
- Yuksek Ihtisas University — Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aybuke Ertugrul — Yuksek Ihtisas University
- Study coordinator: Gungor Beyza Ozvar Senoz
- Email: beyzaozvar@gmail.com
- Phone: 505 388 86 17
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.