Isolated Gastrocnemius Tightness and Tactile Sensitivity
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18-65
SponsorNigde Omer Halisdemir University
About this trial
Isolated gastrocnemius tightness is associated with various foot pathologies, particularly metatarsalgia and hallux valgus, and is also commonly observed in the general population. Limited ankle dorsiflexion, typically resulting from tightness of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex, may alter normal gait mechanics and lead to compensatory movement patterns that increase mechanical stress on the lower extremity. It is planned to include a total of 40 participants in this study: 20 individuals with isolated gastrocnemius tightness and 20 without. The participants' plantar tactile sensitivity and postural control characteristics will be compared.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Adults aged 18-65 with or without isolated gastrocnemius tightness,
Individuals able to walk without experiencing pain
Disqualifiers
Presence of neuromuscular disease,
Conditions affecting plantar tactile sensation, such as diabetes,
History of prior surgical procedures distal to the knee joint,
Any current or previous symptoms related to the foot or ankle region,
Trial population
It is planned to include a total of 40 participants in this study: 20 individuals with isolated gastrocnemius tightness and 20 without.
Trial design
Design model
Case-control
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Treatments tested in this trial
Ankle Dorsiflexion Index
BehavioralFirst, the participant will be asked to move their knee forward-while keeping the heel of the tested foot in full contact with the ground and the foot aligned forward-until reaching the maximum dorsiflexion position possible without the heel lifting off the ground. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be measured with the knee flexed at a minimum of 20°. Subsequently, the same assessment will be repeated with the knee in full extension (0°). Under both conditions, the maximum angular change occurring during the forward movement of the tibia relative to the starting position will be recorded as the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. The difference between the mean dorsiflexion values obtained with the knee flexed at a minimum of 20° and in full extension will be calculated as the Ankle Dorsiflexion Index
Treatment groups
40 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: individuals with isolated gastrocnemius tightness1 intervention
Group B: individuals without isolated gastrocnemius tightness1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Ankle dorsiflexion index
First, the participant will be asked to move their knee forward-while keeping the heel of the tested foot in full contact with the ground and the foot aligned forward-until reaching the maximum dorsiflexion position possible without the heel lifting off the ground. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be measured with the knee flexed at a minimum of 20°. Subsequently, the same assessment will be repeated with the knee in full extension (0°). Under both conditions, the maximum angular change occurring during the forward movement of the tibia relative to the starting position will be recorded as the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. The difference between the mean dorsiflexion values obtained with the knee flexed at a minimum of 20° and in full extension will be calculated as the ankle dorsiflexion index.
Time frame
6 months2
Assessment of postural control
Postural control will be assessed using a force plate (KINVENT, France). Data will be transmitted to the force plate application via a Bluetooth connection. Prior to the actual measurements, participants will be informed about the force platform and the test conditions, and a practice trial will be conducted to familiarize them with the tests. Static postural control will be assessed under three different conditions: (1) standing on both feet with eyes open, (2) standing on both feet with eyes closed, and (3) standing on one foot with eyes open. In the assessment of postural control, the primary Center of Pressure parameters-mean Center of Pressure velocity, Center of Pressure path length, and sway area-were evaluated.
Time frame
6 months3
Plantar tactile sensitivity
Plantar tactile sensitivity will be assessed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. During the assessment, participants will be positioned prone, with their feet hanging freely off the edge of the examination table and not touching any surface. The assessment will begin with the monofilament that applies the lowest force, and the procedure will progress to progressively thicker monofilaments until the participant perceives the stimulus. The lowest Semmes-Weinstein monofilament value perceived in these areas will be recorded as the plantar tactile sensation threshold. Lower perceived pressure values indicate higher tactile sensitivity in the sole of the participant's foot.
Time frame
6 monthsSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov