Gait and Cognitive Function in Relation to Foot Arch Structure in Older Adults

NCT07582367 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2026/50
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the relationship between foot arch structure and spatiotemporal gait parameters and cognitive function in older adults. Foot arch integrity will be assessed using the Navicular Drop Test, and gait performance will be evaluated using the 10-Meter Walk Test. Cognitive-motor interaction will be examined through lower extremity reaction time using a light-based system. The study is designed as an observational cross-sectional analysis.

Conditions

Gait; Foot Biomechanics; Cognitive Function

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Gait Speed (m/s)

  Gait speed will be assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test under comfortable walking conditions. Walking speed will be recorded in meters per second (m/s).

  Baseline (single session)

• Cadence (steps/min)

  Cadence will be assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test under comfortable walking conditions. Cadence will be recorded as steps per minute.

  Baseline (single session)

• Step Length (m)

  Step length will be assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test under comfortable walking conditions. Step length will be recorded in meters.

  Baseline (single session)

• Double Support Time (%)

  Double support time will be assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test under comfortable walking conditions. Double support time will be recorded as a percentage of the gait cycle.

  Baseline (single session)

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Lower extremity reaction time

  Baseline (single session)

• Navicular Drop Test (mm)

  Baseline (single session)

Study Arms (1)

Older adult

Community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and above will be assessed for foot arch structure, gait parameters, and cognitive-motor performance.

Other: Observational Assessment

Interventions

Observational Assessment OTHER

This is an observational study with no intervention. Participants will undergo assessments of foot arch structure, gait parameters, and cognitive-motor performance.

Older adult

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

This study will include community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and above living in Balıkesir, Turkey. Participants will be recruited from individuals attending the Tazelenme University Coordination Unit and surrounding community settings. Eligible participants are those who are able to walk independently without assistive devices and have sufficient cognitive and physical capacity to complete the assessment protocol. The study population represents relatively healthy older adults without severe neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting gait and balance.

You may qualify if:

• Aged 65 years or older
• Able to walk independently for at least 10 meters without assistive devices
• Able to understand study procedures and provide informed consent
• Having sufficient cognitive and physical capacity to comply with the assessment protocol

You may not qualify if:

• Diagnosed neurological disorders affecting gait and motor control (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis)
• Diagnosed dementia or Alzheimer's disease, or Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score below 24
• Severe visual or hearing impairment that cannot be corrected and may affect reaction time testing
• History of major lower extremity or spinal surgery within the last 6 months Severe musculoskeletal conditions affecting gait (e.g., advanced osteoarthritis, severe pain, active inflammation, open wounds, or recent fractures in the lower extremity)
• Presence of severe balance disorders (e.g., vertigo)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Balikesir University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Balikesir University

Balıkesir, Bigadiç, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Related Publications (7)

• Menz, H. B., Lord, S. R., & Fitzpatrick, R. C. (2003). Foot and ankle characteristics associated with impaired balance and increased fall risk in community-dwelling older people. The Journals of Gerontology Series A, 58(9), M846-M852. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/58.9.m846

  BACKGROUND

• Verghese J, Ayers E, Barzilai N, Bennett DA, Buchman AS, Holtzer R, Katz MJ, Lipton RB, Wang C. Motoric cognitive risk syndrome: Multicenter incidence study. Neurology. 2014 Dec 9;83(24):2278-84. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000001084. Epub 2014 Oct 31.

  PMID: 25361778 BACKGROUND

• Yogev-Seligmann G, Hausdorff JM, Giladi N. The role of executive function and attention in gait. Mov Disord. 2008 Feb 15;23(3):329-42; quiz 472. doi: 10.1002/mds.21720.

  PMID: 18058946 BACKGROUND

• Hausdorff JM. Gait variability: methods, modeling and meaning. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2005 Jul 20;2:19. doi: 10.1186/1743-0003-2-19.

  PMID: 16033650 BACKGROUND

• Chen B, Hu S, Mu J, Wang Y. Evaluation of foot support characteristics in young and elderly adults by plantar measurements based on a three-partition distributed force platform. J Biomech. 2024 Aug;173:112247. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112247. Epub 2024 Jul 23.

  PMID: 39053293 BACKGROUND

• Bain KA, Kosik KB, Terada M, Gribble PA, Johnson NF. Contralateral thalamocortical connectivity is related to postural control in the uninvolved limb of older adults with history of ankle sprain. Gait Posture. 2024 Mar;109:115-119. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.01.015. Epub 2024 Jan 19.

  PMID: 38295486 BACKGROUND

• Arnold JB, Mackintosh S, Jones S, Thewlis D. Differences in foot kinematics between young and older adults during walking. Gait Posture. 2014 Feb;39(2):689-94. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2013.09.021. Epub 2013 Oct 10.

  PMID: 24183676 BACKGROUND

Central Study Contacts

Ebru Tekin, Lecturer

CONTACT

+90 266 614 69 11; ebrutekin123@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CROSSOVER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 1, 2026
• First Posted: May 12, 2026
• Study Start: April 15, 2026
• Primary Completion: April 28, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): November 8, 2026
• Last Updated: May 12, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)