Isolated Gastrocnemius Tightness and Tactile Sensitivity

September 14, 2026 updated by: Rabia ZORLULAR, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University

Plantar Tactile Sensitivity Individuals With Isolated Gastrocnemius Tightness

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.

Study Overview

Status

Enrolling by invitation

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Isolated gastrocnemius tightness has been widely studied in the adult population and 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.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

40

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

It is planned to include a total of 40 participants in this study: 20 individuals with isolated gastrocnemius tightness and 20 without.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adults aged 18-65 with or without isolated gastrocnemius tightness,
  • Individuals able to walk without experiencing pain

Exclusion Criteria:

  • 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,
  • Presence of joint hypermobility,
  • Individuals who do not volunteer.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
individuals with isolated gastrocnemius tightness

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

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
individuals without isolated gastrocnemius tightness

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

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Ankle Dorsiflexion Index
Time Frame: 6 months

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
6 months
Assessment of postural control
Time Frame: 6 months
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.
6 months
Plantar tactile sensitivity
Time Frame: 6 months
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.
6 months

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Nigde Omer Halisdemir University

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Rabia ZORLULAR, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

September 30, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

January 1, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

January 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

September 14, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 14, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

September 18, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

September 18, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 14, 2026

Last Verified

September 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Other Study ID Numbers

  • Isolated Gastrocnemius

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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