THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT-HEIGHT HEEL SHOES ON MOTOR FUNCTION OF LOWER LIMB JOINTS IN THE YOUNG FEMALE PERFORMERS

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore how shoes with different height heels affect female gait characteristics and motor function of lower limb joints. Methods: Video analysis and myoelectricity tester were applied to the walking test of 12 female models wearing shoes with 0, 3, 6, 10, and 18[Formula: see text]cm heels. Results: (1) When being barefoot and wearing the flat shoes, the models took a longest step, and the step length decreased with the increase of the shoe heel. (2) When walking in the flat shoes, the models kept the center of gravity highly stable. With the increase of the shoe heel, the center of gravity went ups and downs obviously in the direction of Z and Y when models were walking. (3) When models walked in the flat shoes, the smallest changes occurred in the hip joint angle. With the increase of the shoe heel, the stretching ranges of knee joint angle and ankle joint angle decreased. (4) When models walked in the flat shoes, electromyographic mean power frequency (MPF) indicated that active frequency of gastrocnemius and soleus were the highest and time-domain parameter suggested that active scope of biceps femoris and soleus increased most. There was difference in active frequency between the dominated leg and the nondominated leg. Conclusion: Flat shoes or 3–6[Formula: see text]cm heel shoes were the best for walking. It is recommended to choose shoes with a heel height higher than 10[Formula: see text]cm when walking,and try to control wear more than 10[Formula: see text]cm heel walking time, otherwise, there will be a risk of falls. When choosing a heel with a height higher than 10[Formula: see text]cm, the walking speed and walking length must be reduced. At the same time, try to control the walking time of wearing high heels with the heel height over 10[Formula: see text]cm, otherwise it will cause the risk of fall.