Analysis of foot plantar pressure distribution and human limits of stability in high heel wearers

Abstract

Many women wear high heeled shoes (HHS) on a daily basis to increase the femininity and attractiveness, making these shoes remain popular despite the negative effects surrounding HHS. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of heel height and HHS wearing experience on foot plantar pressure distribution and human stability limits. Thirty young and healthy female participants consisted of two groups, inexperienced and experienced high-heel wearers participated in a standing balance test to measure their foot plantar pressures and stability limits when they wore shoes of four different heel heights: 0cm (flat), 4cm (low), 7cm (medium), and 10cm (high). Experimental results showed that the increased heel height shifted the force and peak pressure from the heel and midfoot regions to the forefoot region and the center-of-pressure (COP) location moved forward and to the medial side of the foot. Human stability limits are worsened significantly, especially when the heel height reached 7cm. HHS wearing experience provided certain advantages to the wearers on plantar pressure distributions and the limits of stability, shown by larger excursions and better directional controls in the forward and back directions.