How heel height changes walking and pelvic movement
Investigation of the Effects of Shoe Heel Heights on Gait Parameters in Healthy Individuals
Hacettepe University · NCT07167472
This will test whether walking barefoot, in 2 cm heels, or in 6 cm heels changes walking patterns and pelvic motion in healthy adults aged 18–35.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07167472 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This prospective observational crossover study will recruit healthy volunteers aged 18–35 with a normal BMI and no musculoskeletal or neurological conditions affecting gait. Each participant will walk a 10-meter course under three randomized conditions—barefoot, 2 cm heels, and 6 cm heels—while a BTS-G wireless inertial sensor at L4–L5 records spatiotemporal gait parameters and pelvic kinematics. Primary measurements include gait speed, cadence, stride/step length, stance and swing phase percentages, gait cycle duration, and pelvic tilt/obliquity/rotation symmetry. The goal is to identify biomechanical differences related to heel height that could inform shoe design and individualized rehabilitation approaches.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults aged 18–35 with a BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m², no recent lower-extremity injury or surgery, no chronic ankle instability, and who do not use orthotics are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Older adults, people with musculoskeletal or neurological conditions affecting gait, those outside the specified BMI range, or regular orthotic users are unlikely to benefit directly from the findings for their personal care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help improve shoe design and tailor rehabilitation strategies to reduce gait-related problems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous biomechanical research has shown that heel height alters gait and pelvic motion, so this study builds on established findings rather than testing an untried concept.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adults, aged 18-35 years * Body Mass Index (BMI) within normal range (18.5-24.9 kg/m²) * Foot structure compatible with shoe size * Voluntarily agrees to participate and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Use of orthotics or insoles * History of musculoskeletal conditions affecting gait * Lower extremity injury or surgery within the past 6 months * Chronic ankle instability * Receiving treatment related to the lower extremities within the past 6 months
Where this trial is running
Ankara
- Yuksek Ihtisas University — Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mıyaser Medıne Gok — 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.
Conditions: Gait, Locomotion