Overview
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.
Description
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
Eligibility
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