GAIT & POSTURE 2012 - IN PRESS
The influence of heel height on lower extremity kinematic s and leg muscle activity during gait in young and middle-aged women
Anna Mikaa,*, Łukasz Oleksya,b, Piotr Mikaa, Anna Marchewkaa, Brian C. Clarkc
a - Department of Clinical Rehabilitation, University School of Physical Education in Krakow, Poland
b - Zen Machines Poland, Poland
c - Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI) and the Department of Biomedical Sciences,
Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in electromyographic (EMG) activity of the lower limb muscles, and hip, knee and ankle kinematics during gait while wearing low- (4-cm) and high-heeled (10-cm) shoes in 31 young and 15 middle-aged adult women.
We obser ved an increase in knee flexion and decrease in ankle eversion associated with elevated heel heights suggesting that compensatory mechanisms attenuating ground reaction forces may be compromised during gait with higher-heeled shoes. Additionally, we observed increased muscle activity during high-heeled gait that may exacerbate muscle fatigue. Collec tively, these findings suggest that permanent wearing of heeled footwear could contribute to muscle overuse and repetitive strain injuries.
© 2011 Elsevier B.V . All rights reserved.