WALKING WITH AND WITHOUT HIGH HEELS ON A DECLINED SURFACE

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate body segment ROMs while walking with and without high heels on flat and declined surfaces. Eight healthy, active, female college students (BH: 1.67 ± .08 m, BW: 57.8 ± 7.03 kg) were recruited in the study. The participants randomly performed three trials of walking on level ground and a declined surface in both high heels and tennis shoes using 2D motion analysis. Results indicated that the ROMs were significantly decreased on a declined slope, regardless of the type of shoes. Considering shoe types, the body segments’ ROMs were reduced during the high heels conditions except for the trunk segment for both surfaces. This enhanced control of locomotion during decline and/or high-heeled walking.