This observational study aims to investigate the effects of different shoe heel heights on gait parameters and pelvic kinematics in healthy adults aged 18-35 years. Each participant will be assessed under three conditions: barefoot, wearing shoes with 2 cm heels, and wearing shoes with 6 cm heels. Spatiotemporal gait parameters (gait speed, cadence, step length, stance and swing phase percentages, gait cycle duration) and pelvic kinematics (tilt, obliquity, rotation symmetry) will be measured using the BTS-G wireless sensor system. The study seeks to identify biomechanical differences associated with heel height and to provide data that may contribute to shoe design and individualized rehabilitation strategies.
This prospective observational crossover study will be conducted at Yuksek Ihtisas University. Healthy volunteers aged 18-35 years with normal body mass index and no musculoskeletal or neurological conditions affecting gait will be recruited. Participants will be excluded if they use orthotics, have had lower extremity injuries or surgery in the past 6 months, or have chronic ankle instability. Each participant will undergo gait assessments under three randomized shoe conditions: barefoot, wearing shoes with 2 cm heels, and wearing shoes with 6 cm heels. A BTS-G (BTS Bioengineering, Italy) wireless inertial sensor will be placed at the L4-L5 level to record spatiotemporal gait parameters and pelvic kinematics in the anteroposterior, mediolateral, and vertical axes during a 10-meter walk at a self-selected speed. The primary variables will include gait speed, cadence, stride length, stance and swing phase percentages, and gait cycle duration. Pelvic tilt, obliquity, and rotation symmetry indices will also be evaluated
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
30
Yuksek Ihtisas University
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Gait Speed Across Heel Height Conditions
Self-selected walking speed (meters/second (m/s)) measured with BTS-G wireless sensor during a 10-meter walk under three conditions: barefoot, 2 cm heel, and 6 cm heel.
Time frame: At baseline session (single day, immediate assessment across three shoe conditions)
Change in Cadence Across Heel Height Conditions
Step cadence (steps/min) assessed with BTS-G sensor under barefoot, 2 cm heel, and 6 cm heel conditions.
Time frame: At baseline session (single day, immediate assessment across three shoe conditions)
Change in Stride Length Across Heel Height Conditions
Stride length (cm) obtained using BTS-G sensor during walking trials under barefoot, 2 cm heel, and 6 cm heel conditions.
Time frame: At baseline session (single day, immediate assessment across three shoe conditions)
Change in Stance and Swing Phase Percentages
Percentage of stance (%) and swing phases (%) of the gait cycle calculated by BTS-G sensor under barefoot, 2 cm heel, and 6 cm heel conditions.
Time frame: At baseline session (single day, immediate assessment across three shoe conditions)
Change in Pelvic Kinematics-pelvic tilt
Pelvic tilt recorded with BTS-G sensor across barefoot, 2 cm heel, and 6 cm heel conditions. It will be recorded as a degree.
Time frame: At baseline session (single day, immediate assessment across three shoe conditions)
Change in Pelvic Kinematics-pelvic obliquity
Pelvic obliquity recorded with BTS-G sensor across barefoot, 2 cm heel, and 6 cm heel conditions. It will be recorded as a degree.
Time frame: At baseline session (single day, immediate assessment across three shoe conditions)
Change in Pelvic Kinematics- pelvic rotation
Pelvic rotation recorded with BTS-G sensor across barefoot, 2 cm heel, and 6 cm heel conditions. It will be recorded as a degree.
Time frame: At baseline session (single day, immediate assessment across three shoe conditions)
Body Mass Index (BMI)
ody weight and height will be measured, and BMI will be calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). Recorded at baseline for all participants. Its unit is kg/m2.
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment before gait analysis).
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