title: Interference of high-heeled shoes in static balance among young women.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of the use of high-heeled shoes on static balance in young adult women. Fifty-three women between 18 and 30 years of age and accustomed to wearing high-heeled shoes participated in the study. None of the participants had any orthopedic or neurologic alterations. Static balance was assessed using a force plate. Oscillations from the center of pressure in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions were measured both when barefoot and when wearing high-heeled shoes [7 centimeters (cm) in height and 1cm in diameter] under the conditions of eyes open and eyes closed. Two-way analysis of variance was employed for the statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at 5% (p<.05). The results revealed statistically significant differences between tests when barefoot and when wearing high-heeled shoes as well as with eyes open and eyes closed (p<.01). With the use of high-heeled shoes, there was a significant increase in mediolateral oscillation with eyes closed (p<.01). The present study demonstrates that the use of seven-cm high heels altered static balance in the healthy young women analyzed, increasing the oscillation of the center of pressure, regardless of visual restriction.
authors: Nove de Julho University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. s.gerber@yahoo.com.br
authors: Susana Bacelete
authors: SB
authors: Gerber
authors: Rafael Vital
authors: RV
authors: Costa
authors: Luanda André Collange
authors: LA
authors: Grecco
authors: Hugo
authors: H
authors: Pasini
authors: Nádia Fernanda
authors: NF
authors: Marconi
authors: Claudia Santos
authors: CS
authors: Oliveira
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009949:Orientation; D004856:Postural Balance; D012683:Sensory Deprivation; D012775:Shoes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014796:Visual Perception; D016474:Weight-Bearing; D055815:Young Adult