Use Of High Heels Research Articles

Wysokie obcasy i konstrukcje tożsamości kobiet. Dynamika asymetrii płciowej, seksualności i emancypacji

The article is devoted to the role of high heels in the construction of feminine identity. The various contexts of the main problem are analysed. The first one refers to the use of high heels as a confirmation of men’s domination over the feminine body, and identity. The second one is connected with sexual connotations of high heels. And the third one with the paradoxical use of the high heels as a source of women’s emancipation. The main thesis of the article is based on the assumption that every, even smallest feminine (or masculine) thing is involved into contradictory values and practical consequences.

Penggunaan High Heels dan Kelelahan Kerja pada Karyawati Mal

The Use of High Heels and Work Fatigue at The Employee Mal. Usage of high heels with standing position continuously over working will have an impact on work fatigue. This study aims to determine the relationship of usage of high heels with fatigue on employee of Mal in Banjarbaru. This study used observational method with cross sectional design. Research instruments used are Questionnaires Measuring Work fatigue Feeling and ruler. Population in this study are 120 people. Sampling technique in this study used purposive sampling technique with total samples are 36 people. Data analysis in this study used correlation test rank spearman. The results of study is The employees used high heels with low altitude are 21 people and very high altitude are 15 people, The employees did not experience fatigue are 9 people, and employees experienced low fatigue are 15 people, and employees experienced middle fatigue are 12 people, and There was no relationship between the height of shoes with fatigue on employees of Mal in Banjarbaru. The employees should use high heels with the altitude have recommended that is maximum of 5 cm, because if >5 cm will be risky to affected a disorder of health.

Walking variations in healthy women wearing high-heeled shoes: Shoe size and heel height effects

BackgroundThe use of high heels is widespread in modern society in professional and social contests. Literature showed that wearing high heels can produce injurious effects on several structures from the toes to the pelvis. No studies considered shoe length as an impacting factor on walking with high heels. Research questionThe aim of this study is to evaluate walking parameters in young healthy women wearing high heels, considering not only the heel height but also the foot/shoe size. MethodsWe evaluate spatio-temporal, kinematic and kinetic data, collected using a 8-camera motion capture system, in a sample of 21 healthy women in three different walking conditions: 1) barefoot, 2) wearing 12 cm high heel shoes independently from shoe size, and 3) wearing shoes with heel height based on shoe size, keeping the ankles’ plantar flexion angle constant. The main outcome measures were: spatio-temporal parameters, gait harmony measurement, range of motion, flexion and extension maximal values, power and moment of lower limb joints. ResultsComparing the three walking conditions, the Mixed Anova test, showed significant differences between both high heeled conditions (variable and constant height) and barefoot in spatio-temporal, kinematic and kinetic parameters. SignificanceRegardless of the shoe size, both heeled conditions presented a similar gait pattern and were responsible for negative effects on walking parameters. Considering our results and the relevance of the heel height, further studies are needed to identify a threshold, over which it is possible to observe that wearing high heels could cause harmful effects, independently from the foot/shoe size.

The Effect of Metatarsal Padding on Pain and Functional Ability in Metatarsalgia.

Many kinds of insoles and pads are commonly used as a conservative treatment of metatarsalgia. However, earlier studies of insole treatment provide contradictory results, and the natural progression of metatarsalgia is still unknown. The aims of this study were to (1) determine whether simple custom-made metatarsal pad insoles reduce pain and improve functional ability, (2) find out patients' satisfaction with padding treatment, and (3) investigate predisposing factors for metatarsalgia. All metatarsalgia patients provided with metatarsal pad insoles during a 2-year period at Kuopio University Hospital (n = 45) were included in the study and observed at least a year. In all, 25 patients were interviewed about their situation before and after treatment. The Numeric Rating Scale for pain and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society forefoot questionnaire included questions about predisposing factors, other diseases, exercise, work, shoes, and satisfaction with insoles. Foot X-rays taken from 45 patients during treatment were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 56 years (range 34-84 years); 87% of them were women. In all, 47% of patients had osteoarthritic changes in the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and 42% had hallux valgus. In the interviewed subgroup (n = 25) body mass index was normal in 44%, and 36% were mildly overweight. High-heeled shoes were used by 40% daily, and 68% had done standing work for several years. Pain decreased significantly on the Numeric Rating Scale: 3.2 points in all patients ( p < 0.001), 3.1 points among women, and 4.25 points among men. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score improved 24.2 points in all patients ( p < 0.001, range 0-100), among women 19 points, and among men 29 points. Metatarsalgia affects mostly women and is often preceded by extensive use of high heels and standing work. Also, a high association of first metatarsophalangeal arthrosis and hallux valgus was found. Metatarsal pads reduce pain and improve the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score. We recommend metatarsal padding as a safe and inexpensive alternative in treating metatarsalgia patients.

اتجاهات المرأة المصرية نحو اختيار مکملات الملابس وتأثيرها على صحة الجسم

يهدف هذا البحث بصفة أساسية إلى دراسة استخدام مکملات الملابس وعلاقته بالمتغيرات الديموغرافية، وإلى التعرف على الاختيار الصحيح لمکملات الملابس بالنسبة لصحة الجسم، وأيضا التعرف على اتجاهات المرأة المصرية نحو اختيار المکملات وتأثيرها على الصحة العامة للجسم. واتبع هذا البحث المنهج الوصفي (التحليلي) فالمنهج الوصفي : من خلال تقديم معلومات وحقائق عن استخدام بعض أنواع من المکملات وتأثيرها على صحة الجسم وتحليل اتجاهات المرأة نحو اختيار واستخدام مکملات الملابس وتأثيرها على الصحة العامة للجسم وارتباطها بالمتغيرات المستقلة من حيث ( المنشأ، محل الإقامة، المستوى التعليمي، العمل ، الحالة الاجتماعية، مستوى الدخل الشهري، السن). وتمثلت عينة البحث فى عدد ( 150 ) امرأة بمحافظة المنيا وبمتغيرات مختلفة من حيث (المنشأ – محل الإقامة – المستوى التعليمي – العمل - متوسط الدخل الشهري– السن). وقد اعتمد البحث الحالي فى إجرائه على الأدوات الآتية :- استمارة البيانات العامة للعينة محل البحث. استبيان للتعرف على مدى استخدام المرأة لمکملات الملابس. مقياس اتجاهات المرأة نحو اختيار مکملات الملابس وتأثيرها على الصحة العامة للجسم. وکانت نتائج البحث على النحو التالي :- التوصل إلى صحة الفرض الأول طبقا للتحليل الإحصائي لنتائج تطبيق أدوات البحث من حيث توجد فروق دالة احصائيا بين -عينة البحث- حسب المتغيرات الديمغرافية ( المنشأ، محل الإقامة، المستوى التعليمي، العمل ، الحالة الاجتماعية، مستوى الدخل الشهري، السن) في استخدام مکملات الملابس. التوصل إلى صحة الفرض الثاني طبقا للتحليل الإحصائي لنتائج تطبيق أدوات البحث من حيث توجد فروق دالة احصائيا بين -عينة البحث- حسب المتغيرات الديمغرافية ( المنشأ، محل الإقامة، المستوى التعليمي، العمل ، الحالة الاجتماعية، مستوى الدخل الشهري، السن) في الاتجاه نحو استخدام مکملات الملابس. التوصل إلى صحة الفرض الثالث طبقا للتحليل الإحصائي لنتائج تطبيق أدوات البحث من حيث توجد علاقة ارتباطية دالة احصائيا بين استخدام المرأة عينة البحث لمکملات الملابس وعلاقته بالاتجاه نحوها في ضوء التأثيرات الصحية. التوصل إلى صحة الفرض الرابع طبقا للتحليل الإحصائي لنتائج تطبيق أدوات البحث من حيث توجد علاقة ارتباطية دالة احصائيا بين استخدام کل من (الکعب العالي، الأساور والعقود، حزام الوسط) والاتجاه نحو استخدامهم. The purpose of this study is to study the use of clothing supplements and its relation to demographic variables, to identify the correct selection of clothing supplements for the health of the body, and also to identify the attitudes of Egyptian women towards the selection of supplements and their impact on the overall health of the body. This research followed the analytical descriptive approach descriptive approach: by providing information and facts about the use of some types of supplements and their impact on the health of the body. Analytical approach: Analysis of women's attitudes towards the selection and use of clothing supplements and their impact on the overall health of the body and its relation to independent variables in terms of origin, residence, educational level, work, marital status, monthly income level, age. The sample of the study was 150 women in Minya Governorate and different variables in terms of origin, place of residence, educational level, work, average monthly income, age. The current research was based on the following tools: General data form for the sample in question. A questionnaire to identify the extent to which women use clothing supplements. Measure women's attitudes towards the selection of clothing supplements and their impact on the overall health of the body. The results were as follows: Achieving the validity of the first hypothesis according to the statistical analysis of the results of the application of the research tools in terms of statistically significant differences between the sample of the research - according to the demographic variables (origin, place of residence, educational level, work, marital status, monthly income level, age) Clothing Accessories. Obtain the validity of the second hypothesis according to the statistical analysis of the results of the application of the research tools in terms of statistically significant differences between the research sample - by the demographic variables (origin, place of residence, educational level, work, marital status, monthly income level, age) Towards the use of clothing supplements. Achieving the validity of the third hypothesis according to the statistical analysis of the results of the application of the research tools in terms of a statistically significant correlation between the use of the sample of the study of clothing supplements and its relation to the direction in light of the health effects. Achieving the validity of the fourth hypothesis according to the statistical analysis of the results of the application of the research tools in terms of a significant correlation between the use of (high heels, bracelets and contracts, waist belt) and the trend towards their use.

The influence of high- and low-heeled shoes on balance in young women.

To evaluate the influence of two different heel heights on static balance and on limits of stability during functional reach test, with both the eyes open and eyes closed, in young women (age 22-27) who did not wear heeled shoes habitually. Thirtyone young women (age 22-27) performed balance tests on a stabilometric platform without footwear and in shoes with 4 cm and 10 cm heels. The center of pressure (COP) deviations range and velocity in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions were assessed. The limits of stability were measured when the subject leaned the body in sagittal plane. The ranges of COP deviations in AP and ML directions were already significantly higher in 4 cm heels in comparison to the barefoot condition. COP deviation velocity significantly raised with increasing heel height as well as when the eyes were closed. A more pronounced increase of COP deviation velocity than COP deviation range when measurement conditions become more difficult may indicate that young women anticipate postural corrections by stimulation of ankle proprioception when heeled shoes are worn. High-heeled shoes may lead to alterations in velocity feedback balance mechanism, which may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Observed in our study adverse effect of heeled footwear on balance may predispose women to falls and injuries. Permanent use of stiletto high heels should be avoided by women.

How to classify plantar plate injuries: parameters from history and physical examination

ObjectiveTo find the best clinical parameters for defining and classifying the degree of plantar plate injuries. MethodSixty-eight patients (100 metatarsophalangeal joints) were classified in accordance with the Arthroscopic Anatomical Classification for plantar plate injuries and were divided into five groups (0 to IV). Their medical files were reviewed and the incidence of each parameter for the respective group was correlated. These parameters were: use of high heels, sports, acute pain, local edema, Mulder's sign, widening of the interdigital space, pain in the head of the corresponding metatarsal, touching the ground, “drawer test”, toe grip and toe deformities (in the sagittal, coronal and transversal planes). ResultsThere were no statistically significant associations between the degree of injury and use of high-heel shoes, sports trauma, pain at the head of the metatarsal, Mulder's sign, deformity in pronation or displacement in the transversal and sagittal planes (although their combination, i.e. “cross toe”, showed a statistically significant correlation). Positive correlations with the severity of the injuries were found in relation to initial acute pain, progressive widening of the interdigital space, loss of “touching the ground”, positive results from the “drawer test” on the metatarsophalangeal joint, diminished grip strength and toe deformity in supination. ConclusionsThe “drawer test” was seen to be the more reliable and precise tool for classifying the degree of plantar plate injury, followed by “touching the ground” and rotational deformities. It is possible to improve the precision of the diagnosis and the predictions of the anatomical classification for plantar plate injuries through combining the clinical history and data from the physical examination.

High-heeled-related alterations in the static sagittal profile of the spino-pelvic structure in young women.

Women wearing high-heeled shoes have been considered to be more characterizing beauty, self-assurance and elegance. However, while maintaining the body on this type of support base, women with increased heel height often complain that wearing high-heeled shoes causes them to experience low back pain. The aim of the present study was to morphologically assess the effect of high-heel use on the static sagittal profile of the spino-pelvic structure. A total of 21 Chinese girls were recruited in this study, with informed written consent. For each participant, standing left lateral radiographs, including that of the spine and pelvis, were obtained in a standardized standing position under barefoot and high-heel use conditions. The radiographic assessments were performed to detect the changes in the spino-pelvic profile under barefoot and high-heel use conditions. The average lumbar lordosis (LL) was 54.3 ± 6.4º under the barefoot condition and increased to 65.2 ± 5.1º after high-heel use (P < 0.001), with a significant increase in the disc L5/S1 and disc L4/L5 tilt angles. Of the 21 participants, 15 (71.43 %) had an increased kyphosis value for thoracic kyphosis, and 6 (28.57 %) had a decreased value after high-heel use, with a significant increased mean kyphosis value of 3.4 ± 1.5º overall (P < 0.001). The sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was always positive and was worse after high-heel use (P = 0.012): 11.5 ± 8.7 mm under the barefoot condition and 29.8 ± 8.5 mm under the high-heel use condition. Bivariate correlation analysis showed that both ΔLL and ΔSVA were positively associated with the heel height of the shoes and were inversely associated with the age of the participants. Receiver operator characteristic analysis showed that a heel height >45.5 mm was strongly predictive of the loss of static sagittal balance of the spine during high-heel use (sensitivity 87.5 %, specificity 62.5 %, area under the curve: 0.773; P = 0.026). The present study revealed that wearing high-heeled shoes can lead to increased LL and an uneconomic body position. This finding may help explain why some women complain that wearing high-heeled shoes causes them to experience low back pain.

Como classificar as lesões da placa plantar: parâmetros de história e exame físico

ObjectiveTo find the best clinical parameters for defining and classifying the degree of plantar plate injuries. MethodSixty‐eight patients (100 metatarsophalangeal joints) were classified in accordance with the Arthroscopic Anatomical Classification for plantar plate injuries and were divided into five groups (0 to IV). Their medical files were reviewed and the incidence of each parameter for the respective group was correlated. These parameters were: use of high heels, sports, acute pain, local edema, Mulder's sign, widening of the interdigital space, pain in the head of the corresponding metatarsal, touching the ground, “drawer test”, toe grip and toe deformities (in the sagittal, coronal and transversal planes). ResultsThere were no statistically significant associations between the degree of injury and use of high‐heel shoes, sports trauma, pain at the head of the metatarsal, Mulder's sign, deformity in pronation or displacement in the transversal and sagittal planes (although their combination, i.e. “cross toe”, showed a statistically significant correlation). Positive correlations with the severity of the injuries were found in relation to initial acute pain, progressive widening of the interdigital space, loss of “touching the ground”, positive results from the “drawer test” on the metatarsophalangeal joint, diminished grip strength and toe deformity in supination. ConclusionsThe “drawer test” was seen to be the more reliable and precise tool for classifying the degree of plantar plate injury, followed by “touching the ground” and rotational deformities. It is possible to improve the precision of the diagnosis and the predictions of the anatomical classification for plantar plate injuries through combining the clinical history and data from the physical examination.

Treating Plantar Fasciitis Conservatively: Evidence-Based Case Report

A 44 year old obese female housewife had plantar fasciitis due to long-term standing and frequent high-heel use. Conservative management options for this condition are many but there is no strong evidence supporting effectiveness of any single option. This paper focused on evidence based physiotherapy treatment of a patient with plantar fasciitis. The treatment strategy included ultrasound at 1.5 watts/cm2 for 4 minutes, iontophoresis with acetic acid, taping, stretching of the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, intrinsic foot muscle strengthening, manual therapy of myofascial chains and use of heel pads. Home exercises included myofascial release with tennis ball and tin, standing stretches to triceps surae and strengthening of intrinsic foot muscles on towel. Dietary consideration included vitamin C (1-3 g/day) and glucosamine sulphate (500mg three for times/day). The patient recovered after 6 weeks of evidence-based physiotherapy treatment.

Effects of high heel wear and increased weight on the knee during walking.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA), a leading cause of disability, is more prevalent in women than men. Wearing high heeled shoes has been implicated as a potential contributing factor for the higher lifetime risk of osteoarthritis in women. This study tests the hypotheses that changes to knee kinematics and kinetics observed during high heeled walking increase in magnitude with increasing heel height and are accentuated by a 20% increase in weight. Fourteen healthy females were tested using marker-based gait analysis in combinations of footwear (flat athletic shoe, 3.8 cm and 8.3 cm heeled shoes) and weight (with and without 20% bodyweight vest). At preferred walking speed, knee flexion angle at heel-strike and midstance increased with increasing heel height and weight. Maximum knee extension moment during loading response decreased with added weight; maximum knee extension moment during terminal stance decreased with heel height; maximum adduction moments increased with heel height. Many of the changes observed with increasing heel height and weight were similar to those seen with aging and OA progression. This suggests that high heel use, especially in combination with additional weight, may contribute to increased OA risk in women.

Salto Alto: um Estudo Sobre Personalidade e Consciência de Moda

Este artigo investiga a relao entre o uso do salto alto, traos de personalidade e conscincia de moda das mulheres adultas. A teoria sobre o comportamento do consumidor afirma que a personalidade do consumidor um fator psicolgico que afeta as decises de consumo, assim como a atitude com relao moda. A abordagem a quantitativa exploratria por meio de um levantamento com 83 mulheres. Utilizou-se dois instrumentos de coleta: um questionrio sobre o uso do salto e escala de conscincia de moda; e outro com o teste HumanGuide. O mtodo de anlise utilizado univariado e multivariado com auxlio do Software SPSS e do Partial Least Squares - PLS para estimar os coeficientes. Os resultados indicam que 60% das respondentes sentem dores quando usam salto alto. Embora estilistas indiquem que um salto alto tem altura superior a 8 cm, a pesquisa indica que as mulheres consideram um salto alto a partir de 5 cm. Apenas 27,3% das respondentes com mais de 50 anos usam saltos acima de 8,5cm. O HumanGuide revelou-se bom para o uso em Marketing no sentido que os entrevistados no tiveram dificuldade em responder s questes. O uso de salto alto majoritariamente explicado pela conscincia de moda. O fator mais influente da personalidade a Estabilidade, indivduos descritos como conservador, tradicional, econmico, estvel, cauteloso, firme, srio e ruminador de idias. Dessa forma, infere-se que estas respondentes usam sapatos de salto alto por estarem relacionados a uma vestimenta elegante e tradicional.DOI: 10.5585/remark.v12i2.2563

Factors affecting center of pressure in older adults: the Framingham Foot Study

BackgroundAlthough aberrant foot movement during gait has been associated with adverse outcomes in the lower extremities in clinical patients, few studies have analyzed population differences in foot function. The purpose of this study was to assess demographic differences in foot function in a large population-based study of community-dwelling adults.MethodsParticipants in this study were from the Framingham Foot Study. Walking data were collected from both feet using a Tekscan Matscan pressure mat. Foot function was characterized using the center of pressure excursion index (CPEI). T-tests were used to assess differences between population subsets based on sex, and in men and women separately, age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity and in women, past high heel use.ResultsThere were 2111 participants included in this analysis. Significant differences in CPEI were noted by sex (p< 0.0001), by age in women (p = 0.04), and by past high heel use in women (p = 0.04).ConclusionsFoot function during gait was affected by sex, as well as by age and shoe-wear in women, but not by BMI or physical activity. Future work will evaluate possible relations between CPEI and outcomes such as falls, sarcopenia, and lower extremity function.

Influência de diferentes calçados na postura e na atividade dos músculos do tronco

Introdução: O uso do salto alto tem sido cada vez mais frequente no cotidiano das mulheres. Objetivo: Investigar o comportamento dos músculos do tronco e as alterações posturais causadas pela utilização de diferentes tipos de calçados. Métodos: Vinte mulheres foram fotografadas em posição ortostática em diferentes situações: descalças, com tênis e com salto alto. As voluntárias também realizaram outras duas tarefas: manter os ombros flexionados a 45 e a 90 graus. Avaliaram-se a postura e a atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos multífido, iliocostal, reto abdominal e transverso abdominal. Resultados: A comparação dos diferentes tipos de calçados não mostrou diferenças estatísticas. Entretanto, ao comparar as diferentes tarefas de membro superior verificou-se alteração na atividade dos músculos eretores da coluna e dos ângulos de cabeça, cervical e tórax. Conclusão: O uso de calçados de salto alto não altera a postura e a atividade dos músculos estabilizadores da coluna lombar durante a posição ortostática. &#x0D; Registro de ensaio clínico número: ACTRN12610000470099.

Relationship between self-reported high-heeled shoe use and bone mineral density using quantitative ultrasound at a community health fair

This is the first known study to examine the relationship between high-heel use and bone mineral density (BMD). Because women are disproportionately affected by osteoporosis, it is important to identify possible modifiable behaviors of women that may adversely affect bone health. Many studies have shown changes in body mechanics when wearing high-heeled shoes in comparison to normal gait. Because the composition of bone changes according to mechanical load and muscle activity, this study investigates whether wearing high heels may alter BMD. Two hundred and twenty-one participants at a community health fair in Lansing, Michigan, were surveyed on high-heel use and bone health risk (gender, thin/small frame, fair skin, family history of fracture, smoking history, walking, dairy consumption, and early menopause or oopherectomy at <45years old). Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the heel by Hologic's Sahara Sonometer was used to measure BMD. The mean age was 45.2 (SD 13.7) years, and the majority of participants were female (208, 94%). A significant difference between mean BMD and high-heel use was not found. Independent correlations existed between fair skinned/sunburn easily and BMD, r(212) = -0.14, p = 0.038, as well as history of smoking and BMD, r(212) = -0.14, p = 0.042. Bone health risk score was strongly correlated with heel use binary variable "yes/no," r(210) = 0.21, p = 0.003. Our study suggests that wearing high-heeled shoes does not lead to appreciable differences in BMD among community health fair participants as assessed by QUS.

Avaliação da atividade eletromiográfica com ou sem o uso de diversos tipos de calçado, em diferentes planos de locomoção

INTRODUÇÃO: São muito recorrentes as queixas de mulheres com desconforto na região lombar durante o uso de sapato de salto. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade eletromiográfica de músculos da perna e eretores da espinha associada a tipos de calçados e ao andar descalço, nos diferentes planos de locomoção, nas situações pré e pós-fadiga. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal, no qual foi utilizado uma amostra de conveniência com 15 mulheres jovens, com idades entre 18 e 35 anos, sedentárias. Os músculos analisados foram: tibial anterior, gastrocnêmio medial e lateral e eretores. A atividade muscular foi avaliada durante a marcha em superfície plana, subindo e descendo escada e rampa. Os calçados utilizados foram salto alto, salto baixo, tênis, chinelo, e também foi feita a avaliação sem o uso deles, ou seja, descalço. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da análise eletromiográfica mostrou que os músculos da perna tiveram maior atividade eletromiográfica pré-fadiga e os eretores, pós-fadiga dos membros inferiores, na maioria das condições e situações. CONCLUSÃO: Condições adaptativas associadas ao uso regular de salto alto foram amplamente questionadas em relação à incidência de lesões. Após fadiga de membros inferiores, houve declínio na atividade dos músculos da perna e aumento do recrutamento dos músculos eretores, justificado pela necessidade de maior estabilidade da coluna e da pelve durante a locomoção de mulheres jovens.

Interference of high-heeled shoes in static balance among young women

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of the use of high-heeled shoes on static balance in young adult women. Fifty-three women between 18 and 30years of age and accustomed to wearing high-heeled shoes participated in the study. None of the participants had any orthopedic or neurologic alterations. Static balance was assessed using a force plate. Oscillations from the center of pressure in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions were measured both when barefoot and when wearing high-heeled shoes [7 centimeters (cm) in height and 1cm in diameter] under the conditions of eyes open and eyes closed. Two-way analysis of variance was employed for the statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at 5% (p<.05). The results revealed statistically significant differences between tests when barefoot and when wearing high-heeled shoes as well as with eyes open and eyes closed (p<.01). With the use of high-heeled shoes, there was a significant increase in mediolateral oscillation with eyes closed (p<.01). The present study demonstrates that the use of seven-cm high heels altered static balance in the healthy young women analyzed, increasing the oscillation of the center of pressure, regardless of visual restriction.

Influence of high-heeled shoes on venous function in young women

Walking with high-heeled shoes is a common cause of venous complaints such as pain, fatigue, and heavy-feeling legs. The aim of the study was to clarify the influence of high-heeled shoes on the venous return and test the hypothesis that women wearing different styles of high-heeled shoes present an impaired venous return when compared with their values when they are barefoot. Thirty asymptomatic women (mean age, 26.4 years) wearing appropriately sized shoes were evaluated by air plethysmography (APG), a test that measures changes in air volume on a cuff placed on the calf, while they performed orthostatic flexion and extension foot movements and altered standing up and lying down. The test was repeated in four situations: barefoot (0 cm), medium heels (3.5 cm), stiletto high heels (7 cm), and platform high heels (7 cm). The APG values of venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), and residual volume fraction (RVF) were divided into four groups according to heel height and compared by repeated-measures analysis of variance. RVF was increased in the groups wearing high heels (stiletto and platform) compared with the barefoot group (P < .05). RVF was increased in the medium-heel group (3.5 cm) compared with the barefoot group (P < .05), and despite the lack of statistical significance, the medium-heel group showed lower values of RVF compared with the two high-heel groups. The EF parameter followed the opposite tendency, showing higher values for the barefoot group compared with the other three groups (P < .05). Values for VFI were similar in the three situations evaluated. High heels reduce muscle pump function, as demonstrated by reduced EF and increased RVF values. The continuous use of high heels tends to provoke venous hypertension in the lower limbs and may represent a causal factor of venous disease symptoms.

Long-term use of high-heeled shoes alters the neuromechanics of human walking

Human movement requires an ongoing, finely tuned interaction between muscular and tendinous tissues, so changes in the properties of either tissue could have important functional consequences. One condition that alters the functional demands placed on lower limb muscle-tendon units is the use of high-heeled shoes (HH), which force the foot into a plantarflexed position. Long-term HH use has been found to shorten medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles and increase Achilles tendon stiffness, but the consequences of these changes for locomotor muscle-tendon function are unknown. This study examined the effects of habitual HH use on the neuromechanical behavior of triceps surae muscles during walking. The study population consisted of 9 habitual high heel wearers who had worn shoes with a minimum heel height of 5 cm at least 40 h/wk for a minimum of 2 yr, and 10 control participants who habitually wore heels for less than 10 h/wk. Participants walked at a self-selected speed over level ground while ground reaction forces, ankle and knee joint kinematics, lower limb muscle activity, and gastrocnemius fascicle length data were acquired. In long-term HH wearers, walking in HH resulted in substantial increases in muscle fascicle strains and muscle activation during the stance phase compared with barefoot walking. The results suggest that long-term high heel use may compromise muscle efficiency in walking and are consistent with reports that HH wearers often experience discomfort and muscle fatigue. Long-term HH use may also increase the risk of strain injuries.

Postural Assessment of Lumbar Lordosis and Pelvic Alignment Angles in Adolescent Users and Nonusers of High-Heeled Shoes

Objective The aims of this study were (1) to analyze the influence of wearing high-heeled shoes on lumbar lordosis and pelvic inclinations among adolescents aged between 13 and 20 years were users and nonusers of high-heeled shoes and (2) to correlate these postural angles with age. Methods Fifty adolescents from the nonuser group (NUG) of high-heeled shoes and 50 from the user group (UG) were evaluated. Postural assessments were obtained by photogrammetry under 2 conditions—barefoot and with high-heeled shoes—and analyzed using the evaluation postural software. The measured angles included lumbar lordosis and the horizontal alignment of the pelvis. Descriptive analyses were carried out, with a significance level of 5%. Results With high-heeled use, the NUG demonstrated rectification of the lumbar spine and pelvic retroversion, whereas the UG demonstrated hyperlordosis and pelvic anteversion. When barefoot, smaller lumbar lordosis angles for both groups were observed. However, the pelvic angles were lower for the UG group and higher for the NUG. The studied angles showed high reliabilities. Age was correlated with lumbar lordosis angles for the NUG in the barefoot condition and with pelvic alignments in both conditions for the UG. Conclusion For the subjects in this study, the use of high-heeled shoes is correlated with increased lumbar lordosis and pelvic anteversions. Lumbar lordosis angles are correlated with age for the NUG when barefoot.