An observational study in Isolated Gastrocnemius Tightness and Healthy Adult Participants, sponsored by Nigde Omer Halisdemir University. Recruiting at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-09.
Sponsored by Nigde Omer Halisdemir University · Observational
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.
Isolated gastrocnemius tightness has been widely studied in the adult population and is associated with various foot and ankle pathologies, such as plantar fasciitis, plantar ulcers, achilles tendinopathy, pes planus, and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. However, no study evaluating plantar tactile sensation in individuals with isolated gastrocnemius tightness has been found in the existing literature. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the existing literature regarding the relationship between isolated gastrocnemius tightness and plantar tactile sensation and postural control. Evaluating plantar tactile sensitivity and postural control together may help elucidate not only the mechanical effects of isolated gastrocnemius tightness on joint range of motion but also its potential effects related to sensory and postural control. This study plans to include 40 participants: 20 with isolated gastrocnemius tightness and 20 without. The participants' plantar tactile sensitivity and postural control characteristics will be compared.
Nigde Omer Halisdemir University is the lead sponsor of 93 studies on the registry; 31 are open to participants now.
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It is planned to include a total of 40 participants in this study: 20 individuals with isolated gastrocnemius tightness and 20 without.
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Exclusion Criteria:
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 (ADI): •Ankle dorsiflexion index = Dorsiflexion with knee at 20° flexion - dorsiflexion with knee in full extension The threshold value of ADI ≥10°, commonly used in the literature for classifying isolated gastrocnemius tightness, will be taken into account.
Behavioral: Ankle Dorsiflexion Index
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: For individuals without isolated gastrocnemius tightness, a threshold value of \<10° for the Ankle Dorsiflexion Index will be considered.
Behavioral: 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
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 months
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 months
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 months
Plan to share: No
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Nigde Omer Halisdemir University