Effects of Pes Planus on Gait at Different Inclines

Recruiting

• Conditions: Flatfoot; Gait

• Registration Number: NCT07155577
• Lead Sponsor: Hacettepe University

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the effects of pes planus deformity on gait spatiotemporal parameters and pelvic kinematics during walking on different inclines. Participants will include healthy adults aged 18-35 years with flexible bilateral pes planus and normal body mass index. Pes planus severity will be evaluated using the Jack's toe-raise test and the navicular drop test. Gait parameters such as walking speed, cadence, stride length, stance and swing phase percentages, gait cycle duration, as well as pelvic tilt, obliquity, and rotation symmetry will be measured using the BTS-G wireless sensor system. Assessments will be performed on both flat and inclined treadmill conditions. The findings are expected to provide new insights into the biomechanical adaptations of pes planus during walking and contribute to the development of an individualized rehabilitation protocol.

Detailed Description

This study will evaluate the effects of pes planus deformity on gait spatiotemporal parameters and pelvic kinematics during walking on flat and inclined surfaces. Flexible pes planus will be confirmed with Jack's toe-raise test, and severity will be assessed using the navicular drop test.

Healthy adults aged 18-35 years with bilateral flexible pes planus and normal BMI will be included. Exclusion criteria are lower extremity injury or surgery in the last 6 months, chronic ankle instability, other musculoskeletal disorders, or orthotic use.

Gait will be assessed with the BTS-G wireless sensor system, recording speed, cadence, stride length, stance and swing phase percentages, gait cycle duration, pelvic tilt, obliquity, and rotation symmetry. Participants will walk in standard sports shoes on level and inclined treadmill conditions. Data will be analyzed to determine biomechanical differences across surfaces.

The findings may provide insights into how pes planus influences gait and contributes to rehabilitation and footwear strategies.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2025-07-01
• Status Verified: 2025-08
• Study First Submitted: 2025-08-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-08-27
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-08-27
• Study First Posted: 2025-09-04
• Last Update Posted: 2025-09-04
• Primary Completion: 2025-11-01
• Study Completion: 2025-12-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 30

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Gait Speed (Level vs. Inclined Walking)	Single visit; measurements obtained the same day across both incline conditions	Self-selected walking speed (m/s) measured during 20-m trials under level and inclined treadmill conditions using the BTS-G wireless sensor (L4-L5 placement). Between-group (pes planus vs control) and within-condition comparisons.
Stride Length	Single visit; measurements obtained the same day across both incline conditions.	Stride length (cm) during level and inclined walking recorded via BTS-G; between-group and within-condition comparisons.
Cadence	Single visit; measurements obtained the same day across both incline conditions.	Steps per minute captured by BTS-G during level and inclined walking; between-group and within-condition comparisons.Unit of Measure: steps/min.
Stance and Swing Phase Percentages	Single visit; measurements obtained the same day across both incline conditions.	Percentage of the gait cycle spent in stance and swing (%) under level and inclined conditions using BTS-G; between-group and within-condition comparisons.
Pelvic Kinematics	Single visit; measurements obtained the same day across both incline conditions.	Three-plane pelvic kinematics/symmetry indices captured by BTS-G under level and inclined conditions; between-group and within-condition comparisons.Unit of Measure: degrees / symmetry index (per device output).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
BMI (Body Mass Index)	Baseline (prior to treadmill assessments)	Calculated as weight(kg)/height(m²) for baseline characterization.Unit of Measure: kg/m².
Navicular Drop (Severity of Pes Planus)	Baseline (prior to treadmill assessments)	Navicular drop distance measured to quantify pes planus severity (baseline characterization).Unit of Measure: mm.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Yuksek Ihtisas University; Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)