EFFECT ON PLANTAR PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION WITH WEARING DIFFERENT BASE SIZE OF HIGH-HEEL SHOES DURING WALKING AND SLOW RUNNING

Abstract

High heeled shoes may alter the regular loading pattern of the plantar pressure, especially increased in the forefoot area. Walking with narrow base of high heeled shoes may induce the brisk acceleration of the supported leg due to instability that increases the force on the plantar area. Particularly, this phenomenon may be amplified while slow running, but never been investigated. Materials and Methods: Plantar pressures were measured for different specific area of foot using the Pedar-X system. The effects on plantar pressure with different sized bases (1.2× 1.2 cm2 and 2.2 × 3.5 cm2) of high-heeled shoe (7.8 cm in height) were examined while walking in thirteen healthy female subjects and during slow running in nine healthy female subjects. Results: The plantar pressures of the hallux and toe while wearing narrow base high heel were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those when walking with wearing wide base one. For both narrow and wide base heels, significantly increased (p < 0.05) plantar pressure were found in the medial forefoot while slow running at 2.0 m/s as compared with walking at 1.0 m/s and 1.5 m/s. While slow running with wearing narrow base high heel indicated significantly (p < 0.05) increased plantar pressures in the medial, central and lateral forefoot and toes regions compared with those with wearing wide base one. Conclusion: The findings suggest that if individuals have to wear high heeled shoes, it would be better to select one with a wide based heel to avoid running in at any circumstance.