The influence of heel height on lower extremity kinematics and leg muscle activity during gait in young and middle-aged women

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.

► In young and middle-aged women muscle activity and lower limbs kinematics were assessed during gait in heeled shoes. ► Footwear of the stiletto type increases the leg muscle activity and changes knee and ankle kinematics during gait. ► Permanent wearing of heeled footwear could contribute to muscle overuse and repetitive strain injuries. ► Age-related changes alter in certain body segments the biomechanical adjustments associated with wearing heeled shoes.