Heel Skin MechanoreceptorsNCT07439705
The Effect of Heel Skin Mechanoreceptors on Plantar Flexor Contraction Force
A study testing Assesment of Plantar Flexion Muscle Strength During Heel Skin Mechanoreceptor Stimulation in people with Heel Skin Mechanoreceptors and Plantar Flexion Contraction Force, run by Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Previous studies have shown that stimulation of heel skin mechanoreceptors facilitates the soleus H-reflex, whereas stimulation of metatarsal region mechanoreceptors inhibits the soleus H-reflex. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 40 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Heel Skin Mechanoreceptors, Plantar Flexion Contraction Force
- What is being tested?
- Assesment of Plantar Flexion Muscle Strength During Heel Skin Mechanoreceptor Stimulation
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 29 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2025to 20 Feb 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 40 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Being healthy
- Being between 20 and 40 years of age
- Being female or male
- Volunteering to participate
Who cannot join
- Having a history of orthopedic conditions-particularly in the lower extremity-or residual neuromusculoskeletal problems due to previously experienced illnesses
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, 34180
About this study
Previous studies have shown that stimulation of heel skin mechanoreceptors facilitates the soleus H-reflex, whereas stimulation of metatarsal region mechanoreceptors inhibits the soleus H-reflex. From this perspective, plantar cutaneous receptors may play an important role in the regulation of activities such as walking and running, as well as in the control of spasticity in patients with upper motor neuron lesions. Investigating the effect of heel skin mechanoreceptors on plantar flexor muscle contraction force may provide valuable insight into the potential influence of these mechanoreceptors on locomotor activities and muscle tone, and may offer a foundation for future studies directly addressing these topics.
Read the detailed description
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of heel skin mechanoreceptors on plantar flexor contraction force. The plantar flexor muscle strength of the participants was evaluated using a force sensor connected to a computer. For the isometric muscle strength measurement, the subjects were asked to perform maximal plantar flexion for 10 seconds. A 5-pulse stimulation package at 15% contraction level was delivered 10 times with a 4-6 second interval. The measurements were repeated 10 times with a 30-second interval. During the plantar flexion muscle strength measurement, the heel skin mechanoreceptors were stimulated at sensory threshold by a square wave electrical current with a pulse duration of 1 microsecond.
- Being tested
- Assesment of Plantar Flexion Muscle Strength During Heel Skin Mechanoreceptor Stimulation
- Keywords
- Skin mechanoreceptor, Ruffini corpuscle, Pacinian corpuscle, Contraction forcee
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Assesment of Plantar Flexion Muscle Strength During Heel Skin Mechanoreceptor StimulationOther
For the measurement of isometric muscle strength, participants lying prone on an examination table were instructed to perform maximal plantar flexion for 10 seconds. To achieve a submaximal contraction corresponding to 15% of their maximal contraction force, they were asked to follow the 15% threshold reference line displayed on the force channel on the screen.
During the measurement of plantar flexion muscle strength, the cutaneous mechanoreceptors of the heel were stimulated with a square-wave electrical current with a pulse duration of 1 microsecond, at an intensity three times the sensory threshold. Electrical stimulation was delivered via a constant-current stimulator (Digitimer DS7A, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom). At the 15% contraction level, a train of five stimuli was delivered 10 times at intervals of 4-6 seconds. Measurements were repeated 10 times with 30-second intervals between each set.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Prone position | Experimental | Plantar flexor muscle strength is assessed in the supine position. For the measurement of isometric muscle strength, participants lay prone on an examination table and were instructed to perform maximal plantar flexion for 10 seconds. To achieve a submaximal contraction corresponding to 15% of their maximal voluntary contraction, participants were asked to follow a 15% threshold reference line displayed on the force channel monitor. Receives: Other: Assesment of Plantar Flexion Muscle Strength During Heel Skin Mechanoreceptor Stimulation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Voluntary Contraction Force
While the participants were lying prone on the examination table, plantar flexion muscle strength was assessed using a computer-connected force sensor (SPIKE 2.7). For detailed analysis of the participant data using the SPIKE 2.7 force sensor software, an IIR digital filtering process was first applied to the force channel. During this procedure, a low-pass filter was selected. The filter settings were configured with a cutoff value of 100 and an order of 2. As a result of this filtering process, the newly generated filtered memory channel was labeled "ForceLP." Subsequently, the waveform average of the ForceLP channel was calculated with the following settings: width 4 s, offset 2 s, and trigger set to 6 stimuli (event+). From these averaged traces peak contraction force was determined.
Measured: Day 1 (During a single experimental session)
Reflex Contraction Force
While the participants were lying prone on the examination table, plantar flexion muscle strength was assessed using a computer-connected force sensor (SPIKE 2.7). For detailed analysis of the participant data using the SPIKE 2.7 force sensor software, an IIR digital filtering process was first applied to the force channel. During this procedure, a low-pass filter was selected. The filter settings were configured with a cutoff value of 100 and an order of 2. As a result of this filtering process, the newly generated filtered memory channel was labeled "ForceLP." Subsequently, the waveform average of the ForceLP channel was calculated with the following settings: width 4 s, offset 2 s, and trigger set to 6 stimuli (event+). From these averaged traces reflex contraction force was determined.
Measured: Day 1 (During a single experimental session)
Reflex Contraction Latency
While the participants were lying prone on the examination table, plantar flexion muscle strength was assessed using a computer-connected force sensor (SPIKE 2.7). For detailed analysis of the participant data using the SPIKE 2.7 force sensor software, an IIR digital filtering process was first applied to the force channel. During this procedure, a low-pass filter was selected. The filter settings were configured with a cutoff value of 100 and an order of 2. As a result of this filtering process, the newly generated filtered memory channel was labeled "ForceLP." Subsequently, the waveform average of the ForceLP channel was calculated with the following settings: width 4 s, offset 2 s, and trigger set to 6 stimuli (event+). From these averaged traces reflex contraction latency was determined.
Measured: Day 1 (During a single experimental session)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Feb 2026
- Study start1 Sep 2025
- Primary completion23 Jan 2026
- Study completion20 Feb 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Heel Skin MechanoreceptorsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- For the measurement of isometric muscle strength, participants lay prone on an examination table and were instructed to perform maximal plantar flexion for 10 seconds. To achieve a submaximal contraction corresponding to 15% of their maximal voluntary contraction, participants were asked to follow a 15% threshold reference line displayed on the force channel monitor.During the measurement of plantar flexion muscle force, heel skin mechanoreceptors were stimulated using a square-wave electrical current with a pulse duration of 1 microsecond at an intensity three times the sensory threshold. Electrical stimulation was delivered via a constant-current stimulator (Digitimer DS7A, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom). At the 15% contraction level, a train of five stimuli was delivered 10 times at intervals of 4-6 seconds. Measurements were repeated 10 times with 30-second intervals between each set.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 29 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
- Sponsor type
- Other government
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Berk Kutsal, Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07439705
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025-58
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 27 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Burke D, Dickson HG, Skuse NF. Task-dependent changes in the responses to low-threshold cutaneous afferent volleys in the human lower limb. J Physiol. 1991 Jan;432:445-58. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.1991.sp018393.
PubMed 1886063Aniss AM, Gandevia SC, Burke D. Reflex responses in active muscles elicited by stimulation of low-threshold afferents from the human foot. J Neurophysiol. 1992 May;67(5):1375-84. doi: 10.1152/jn.1992.67.5.1375.
PubMed 1597720Germano AM, Schlee G, Milani TL. Effect of cooling foot sole skin receptors on achilles tendon reflex. Muscle Nerve. 2016 Jun;53(6):965-71. doi: 10.1002/mus.24994. Epub 2016 Apr 26.
PubMed 27113729Nakajima T, Sakamoto M, Tazoe T, Endoh T, Komiyama T. Location specificity of plantar cutaneous reflexes involving lower limb muscles in humans. Exp Brain Res. 2006 Nov;175(3):514-25. doi: 10.1007/s00221-006-0568-6. Epub 2006 Jul 18.
PubMed 16847613Sayenko DG, Vette AH, Obata H, Alekhina MI, Akai M, Nakazawa K. Differential effects of plantar cutaneous afferent excitation on soleus stretch and H-reflex. Muscle Nerve. 2009 Jun;39(6):761-9. doi: 10.1002/mus.21254.
PubMed 19260052
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Heel Skin Mechanoreceptors on Plantar Flexor Contraction Force
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07439705
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2025-58
- Keywords
- Skin mechanoreceptor, Ruffini corpuscle, Pacinian corpuscle, Contraction forcee
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 29 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research HospitalOther government
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 23 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 Feb 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 27 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Previous studies have shown that stimulation of heel skin mechanoreceptors facilitates the soleus H-reflex, whereas stimulation of metatarsal region mechanoreceptors inhibits the soleus H-reflex. From this perspective, plantar cutaneous receptors may play an important role in the regulation of activities such as walking and running, as well as in the control of spasticity in patients with upper motor neuron lesions. Investigating the effect of heel skin mechanoreceptors on plantar flexor muscle contraction force may provide valuable insight into the potential influence of these mechanoreceptors on locomotor activities and muscle tone, and may offer a foundation for future studies directly addressing these topics.
Detailed description
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of heel skin mechanoreceptors on plantar flexor contraction force. The plantar flexor muscle strength of the participants was evaluated using a force sensor connected to a computer. For the isometric muscle strength measurement, the subjects were asked to perform maximal plantar flexion for 10 seconds. A 5-pulse stimulation package at 15% contraction level was delivered 10 times with a 4-6 second interval. The measurements were repeated 10 times with a 30-second interval. During the plantar flexion muscle strength measurement, the heel skin mechanoreceptors were stimulated at sensory threshold by a square wave electrical current with a pulse duration of 1 microsecond.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- For the measurement of isometric muscle strength, participants lay prone on an examination table and were instructed to perform maximal plantar flexion for 10 seconds. To achieve a submaximal contraction corresponding to 15% of their maximal voluntary contraction, participants were asked to follow a 15% threshold reference line displayed on the force channel monitor.During the measurement of plantar flexion muscle force, heel skin mechanoreceptors were stimulated using a square-wave electrical current with a pulse duration of 1 microsecond at an intensity three times the sensory threshold. Electrical stimulation was delivered via a constant-current stimulator (Digitimer DS7A, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom). At the 15% contraction level, a train of five stimuli was delivered 10 times at intervals of 4-6 seconds. Measurements were repeated 10 times with 30-second intervals between each set.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Prone position | Experimental | Other: Assesment of Plantar Flexion Muscle Strength During Heel Skin Mechanoreceptor StimulationPlantar flexor muscle strength is assessed in the supine position. For the measurement of isometric muscle strength, participants lay prone on an examination table and were instructed to perform maximal plantar flexion for 10 seconds. To achieve a submaximal contraction corresponding to 15% of their maximal voluntary contraction, participants were asked to follow a 15% threshold reference line displayed on the force channel monitor. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 40 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Being healthy
- Being between 20 and 40 years of age
- Being female or male
- Volunteering to participate
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Having a history of orthopedic conditions-particularly in the lower extremity-or residual neuromusculoskeletal problems due to previously experienced illnesses
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Assesment of Plantar Flexion Muscle Strength During Heel Skin Mechanoreceptor StimulationFor the measurement of isometric muscle strength, participants lying prone on an examination table were instructed to perform maximal plantar flexion for 10 seconds. To achieve a submaximal contraction corresponding to 15% of their maximal contraction force, they were asked to follow the 15% threshold reference line displayed on the force channel on the screen. During the measurement of plantar flexion muscle strength, the cutaneous mechanoreceptors of the heel were stimulated with a square-wave electrical current with a pulse duration of 1 microsecond, at an intensity three times the sensory threshold. Electrical stimulation was delivered via a constant-current stimulator (Digitimer DS7A, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom). At the 15% contraction level, a train of five stimuli was delivered 10 times at intervals of 4-6 seconds. Measurements were repeated 10 times with 30-second intervals between each set. | Other | Prone position |
Primary outcome
Voluntary Contraction Force
Time frame: Day 1 (During a single experimental session)
While the participants were lying prone on the examination table, plantar flexion muscle strength was assessed using a computer-connected force sensor (SPIKE 2.7). For detailed analysis of the participant data using the SPIKE 2.7 force sensor software, an IIR digital filtering process was first applied to the force channel. During this procedure, a low-pass filter was selected. The filter settings were configured with a cutoff value of 100 and an order of 2. As a result of this filtering process, the newly generated filtered memory channel was labeled "ForceLP." Subsequently, the waveform average of the ForceLP channel was calculated with the following settings: width 4 s, offset 2 s, and trigger set to 6 stimuli (event+). From these averaged traces peak contraction force was determined.
Reflex Contraction Force
Time frame: Day 1 (During a single experimental session)
While the participants were lying prone on the examination table, plantar flexion muscle strength was assessed using a computer-connected force sensor (SPIKE 2.7). For detailed analysis of the participant data using the SPIKE 2.7 force sensor software, an IIR digital filtering process was first applied to the force channel. During this procedure, a low-pass filter was selected. The filter settings were configured with a cutoff value of 100 and an order of 2. As a result of this filtering process, the newly generated filtered memory channel was labeled "ForceLP." Subsequently, the waveform average of the ForceLP channel was calculated with the following settings: width 4 s, offset 2 s, and trigger set to 6 stimuli (event+). From these averaged traces reflex contraction force was determined.
Reflex Contraction Latency
Time frame: Day 1 (During a single experimental session)
While the participants were lying prone on the examination table, plantar flexion muscle strength was assessed using a computer-connected force sensor (SPIKE 2.7). For detailed analysis of the participant data using the SPIKE 2.7 force sensor software, an IIR digital filtering process was first applied to the force channel. During this procedure, a low-pass filter was selected. The filter settings were configured with a cutoff value of 100 and an order of 2. As a result of this filtering process, the newly generated filtered memory channel was labeled "ForceLP." Subsequently, the waveform average of the ForceLP channel was calculated with the following settings: width 4 s, offset 2 s, and trigger set to 6 stimuli (event+). From these averaged traces reflex contraction latency was determined.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 27 Feb 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 1886063Burke D, Dickson HG, Skuse NF. Task-dependent changes in the responses to low-threshold cutaneous afferent volleys in the human lower limb. J Physiol. 1991 Jan;432:445-58. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.1991.sp018393.
- Results publication: PubMed 1597720Aniss AM, Gandevia SC, Burke D. Reflex responses in active muscles elicited by stimulation of low-threshold afferents from the human foot. J Neurophysiol. 1992 May;67(5):1375-84. doi: 10.1152/jn.1992.67.5.1375.
- Results publication: PubMed 27113729Germano AM, Schlee G, Milani TL. Effect of cooling foot sole skin receptors on achilles tendon reflex. Muscle Nerve. 2016 Jun;53(6):965-71. doi: 10.1002/mus.24994. Epub 2016 Apr 26.
- Results publication: PubMed 16847613Nakajima T, Sakamoto M, Tazoe T, Endoh T, Komiyama T. Location specificity of plantar cutaneous reflexes involving lower limb muscles in humans. Exp Brain Res. 2006 Nov;175(3):514-25. doi: 10.1007/s00221-006-0568-6. Epub 2006 Jul 18.
- Results publication: PubMed 19260052Sayenko DG, Vette AH, Obata H, Alekhina MI, Akai M, Nakazawa K. Differential effects of plantar cutaneous afferent excitation on soleus stretch and H-reflex. Muscle Nerve. 2009 Jun;39(6):761-9. doi: 10.1002/mus.21254.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Assesment of Plantar Flexion Muscle Strength During Heel Skin Mechanoreceptor Stimulation in people with Heel Skin Mechanoreceptors and Plantar Flexion Contraction Force, run by Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Voluntary Contraction Force (time frame: Day 1 (During a single experimental session)). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07439705, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Feb 2026.