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Footwear and Brain Activity in Children
Sponsor: University of Malaga
Summary
Childhood is a critical period for neuromotor development, during which footwear may influence both gait biomechanics and the integration of sensory and motor control processes. This study will aim to analyze brain activity in children aged 6-7 years while walking under three conditions: barefoot, in barefoot-style (minimalist) shoes, and in conventional shoes with heel drop. A quasi-experimental, repeated-measures study will be conducted, in which each participant will complete a 10-meter walking task under the three conditions, in randomized order. Brain activity will be recorded using a 14-channel wireless electroencephalography (EEG) system (Emotiv EPOC X), and relative spectral power (theta, alpha, beta, gamma) as well as Theta/Alpha and Beta/Alpha ratios will be calculated. Statistical analysis will include global and regional comparisons (frontal, temporal, parieto-occipital), assessment of hemispheric asymmetry, and multivariate analysis. The study is expected to provide novel information on how footwear type may modulate cortical organization during children's gait, with potential implications for pediatric footwear design and clinical recommendations.
Official title: Footwear and Brain Activity in Children: Insights From EEG During Walking
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
6 Years - 7 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
37
Start Date
2025-08-01
Completion Date
2025-09-10
Last Updated
2025-09-03
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Starting Condition - Barefoot
Participants walk barefoot along a 10-meter walkway without wearing shoes or socks.
Barefoot-Style Footwear
Participants walk along a 10-meter walkway wearing minimalist footwear with a 3 mm flexible sole, 0 mm heel drop, wide toe box, and no rigid heel counter.
Conventional Footwear with Heel Drop
Participants walk along a 10-meter walkway wearing structured footwear with a rigid sole (12 mm heel / 7 mm forefoot), 5 mm heel drop, reinforced heel counter, and narrow toe box.
Locations (1)
University of Malaga
Málaga, Malaga, Spain