Citation

Mika A, Oleksy L, Mika P, Marchewka A, Clark BC. Gait Posture 2012; 35(4): 677-680.

Affiliation

Department of Clinical Rehabilitation, University School of Physical Education in Krakow, Poland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.gaitpost.2011.12.001

PMID

22300729

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 observed 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. Collectively, these findings suggest that permanent wearing of heeled footwear could contribute to muscle overuse and repetitive strain injuries.

Language: en