Effect of wearing high heels on the biomechanical parameters of the foot

Abstract

Introduction: Today's fashion and footwear market offers a wide range of stilettos. For women, stilettos are an important part of their wardrobe, providing a sense of confidence and enhancing physical attractiveness. Unfortunately, they also raise latent concerns among healthcare professionals due to the forced position of the foot. The aim of this study is to analyse present the effect of high heels on the distribution of foot forces on the ground in adult women attending high-heels dance classes. Material and Methods: The distribution of foot forces on the ground and the body balance of HHS female students before and after the training session were investigated. Foot arch measurements were taken using EPSR1 mats (Letsens Group, Letsens S.R.L. Via Buozzi, CastelMaggiore; Bologna, Italy). Results: The foot arch test showed that the entire study population had highly arched left feet (mean arched level of 8.85%) and right feet (3.70%). Analysis of the data showed that training in high heels reduced the longitudinal arch of the right foot (p=0.04942) by increasing metatarsal pressure. Pressure on the heel of the right foot decreased (p=0.017621). Statistical analysis of the stabilographic measurements showed statistically significant changes only in the distance from the centre of pressure before and after the test (p=0.047531). Conclusions: The results suggest that the development of an abnormal longitudinal arch (flatfoot) and a reduction in body balance may be attributable to prolonged wearing of high-heeled shoes.