Impact of wearing high heels shoes on pelvic floor muscle activity and incontinence

Abstract

High-heeled shoes (so-called stilettos) are an important element of women’s wardrobe. Unfortunately, wearing high heels forces the ankle joint into plantar flexion. The daily positioning of the foot in plantar flexion can lead to many abnormalities in the human body. This position is unnatural for the organism from the point of biomechanics. The aim of the study was to present the effect of wearing high-heeled shoes (plantar position of the foot) on the activity of the pelvic floor muscles and the associated negative effects, such as urinary incontinence. The authors on the basis of the research showed that the activity of the pelvic floor muscles is the lowest in the dorsiflexion position of the ankle joint. A weakening of the pelvic floor can be associated with urinary incontinence and thus a deterioration of the quality of life.