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The Effects of Terrain Variation on Intrinsic Foot Musculature in Healthy Individuals and Individuals With Plantar Fasciitis
Sponsor: University of Florida
Summary
Modern footwear has been implicated as a contributor to foot pathology and changes in the biomechanics of gait. In addition to footwear, the investigators propose that the lack of terrain variation may directly contribute to the development of common foot pathologies, resulting from decreased intrinsic foot muscle function. This study will examine the current understanding of terrain variation on foot musculature strength and its possible correlation with structural and functional changes within the foot.
Official title: A Randomized Control Trial Studying the Effects of Terrain Variation on Intrinsic Foot Musculature in Healthy Individuals and Individuals With Plantar Fasciitis:
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 100 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2022-07-15
Completion Date
2026-08-20
Last Updated
2025-08-28
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Treatment Cohort
Subjects will walk on a specified University of Florida Natural Area Teaching Laboratory's (NATL) nature trail for approximately 30 minutes, three times per week for 8 weeks while wearing the minimalist shoes provided by the study team. Time, distance, and GPS walking route will be recorded utilizing the MapMyRun smartphone application, which is free to download and easy to use. The study team will assist each subject with downloading the application onto their smartphone and provide a brief training on app use at their pre-trial visit. Subjects will be asked to save each training session within the app to report to the study team upon completion of the 8-week training protocol. Subjects will be instructed to walk at a comfortable pace and to stop if they begin experiencing increased pain or discomfort.
Control Cohort
Subjects will walk on hardscapes (e.g. sidewalk, asphalt, track, etc) for approximately 30 minutes, three times per week for 8 weeks while wearing the minimalist shoes provided by the study team. Similarly to the treatment group, subjects will be asked to utilize the MapMyRun smartphone application to record their training sessions. Subjects will be instructed to walk at a comfortable pace and to stop if they begin experiencing increased pain or discomfort.
Locations (1)
UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute
Gainesville, Florida, United States