Effect of revised high-heeled shoes on foot pressure and static balance during standing

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of revised high-heeled shoes on the foot pressure ratio and static balance during standing. [Subjects and Methods] A single-subject design was used, 15 healthy women wearing revised high-heeled shoes and general high-heeled shoes in a random order. The foot pressure ratio and static balance scores during standing were measured using a SpaceBalance 3D system. [Results] Forefoot and rearfoot pressures were significantly different between the 2 types of high-heeled shoes. Under the 3 conditions tested, the static balance score was higher for the revised high-heeled shoes than for the general high-heeled shoes, but this difference was not statistically significant. [Conclusion] Revised high-heeled shoes are preferable to general high-heeled shoes, as they result in normalization of normalized foot pressure and a positive effect on static balance.

Is static balance affected by using shoes of different height?

“…In the opinion of Bae et al, revised high-heeled shoes (by making use of tunnel technology with excellent shock absorption and a rearward decrease in the wedge angle) produce significantly higher rearfoot pressure and lower forefoot pressure and have a greater positive effect than standard high-heeled shoes on static balance [2].…”

Comparison of joint angles and electromyographic activity of the lower extremities during standing with wearing standard and revised high-heeled shoes: A pilot study

“…It should be noted that most of the participants commented that the revised HHSs successfully supported the arch of the foot, compared with the standard HHSs, while standing. Preliminary data of 15 healthy adult women have shown that revised HHSs produce a 10% weight shift to the rear foot compared with standard HHSs [5]. In addition, revised HHSs are preferable to standard HHSs because they result of normal improvement of foot pressure and a positive point of static balance [5].…”

“…Although excessive load on the forefoot and joint positioning of the lower extremities could return to normal without wearing HHSs, habitual wearing of HHSs may fixate abnormal postural alignment with shortened calf muscles and a tight Achilles tendon [3]. In addition, tibialis anterior (TA), quadriceps, and gastrocnemius muscles demonstrate increased electromyographic (EMG) activity with raised heel height, there were potentially contributed to instability of ankle joint [5][6][7].…”

“…There were try to drive a more effectively normal standing posture than standard HHSs through provides shock absorption of fore foot and backward decline of the wedge angle. Preliminary data have demonstrated that revised HHSs produce a 10% increase in body weight on the rear foot and a 10% decrease in body weight on the forefoot while standing [5]. In addition, revised HHSs are preferable to standard HHSs because there are result of normal improvement of foot pressure and a positive point of static balance [5].…”

“…Preliminary data have demonstrated that revised HHSs produce a 10% increase in body weight on the rear foot and a 10% decrease in body weight on the forefoot while standing [5]. In addition, revised HHSs are preferable to standard HHSs because there are result of normal improvement of foot pressure and a positive point of static balance [5]. Therefore, it would seem logical that the backward weight shift associated with revised HHSs may influence the joint angles and EMG activity of the lower extremities to maintain body posture.…”