The Effect of High Heel Shoes on Muscles Forces and Joint Contact Forces

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Kashan University, Kashan, Iran

2 Department of orthotic and prosthetic, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: 
It is important to recognize the mechanism of forces applied on lower limbs and back during walking with high heel shoes. Raising public awareness about the disadvantages of using these shoes is effective in reducing the incidence of related musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of high heel shoes on muscle forces and joint contact forces during walking.
Methods: 
A total of 9 young girls with a mean age of 21.34 ± 3.83 years, height of 1.49 ± 0.14 meters, and a weight of 593.25 ± 17.24, were randomly included in this study. The Qualysis motion analyzer and Kistler's Forces Plate were used to record data. Open-SIM software was used to extract muscular force and joint contact force. Data were analyzed by paired sample t-test at the set point of 0.05.
Results: 
Gluteus medius muscle forces during walking with high heels was 46.4 (N/BW) which was 1.96 (N/BW) greater than walking without shoes (p=0.02). The forces applied on the hip joint in mediolateral plane was significantly higher than walking with bare feet (p=0.001). The vertical force applied on lumbosacral joint during walking with high heel shoes was significantly greater than walking without shoe (p<0.001).
Conclusion: 
Gletus medius muscle force, hip joint contact force on the frontal plane, and the vertical joint contact force of the lumbosacral joint was significantly increased while walking with high heel shoes. It can be said that continuous use of high-heeled shoes, not only affect the hip joint, but also affect the lumbosacral joint and can be a source of damage to theses joints, and may endanger at the risk of osteoarthritis. Therefore, it is recommended that these users avoid to wearing high heel shoes because of the traumatic consequences.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Paramedical Sciences & Rehabilitation
Volume 8, Issue 4
February 2020
Pages 7-15

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