title: Effects of heel base size, walking speed, and slope angle on center of pressure trajectory and plantar pressure when wearing high-heeled shoes.
abstract: High-heeled shoes are associated with instability and a high risk of fall, fracture, and ankle sprain. This study investigated the effects of heel base size (HBS) on walking stability under different walking speeds and slope angles. The trajectory of the center of pressure (COP), maximal peak pressure, pressure time integral, contact area, and perceived stability were analyzed. The results revealed that a small HBS increased the COP deviations, shifting the COP more medially at the beginning of the gait cycle. The slope angle mainly affected the COP in the anteroposterior direction. An increased slope angle shifted the COP posterior and caused greater pressure and a larger contact area in the midfoot and rearfoot regions, which can provide more support. Subjective measures on perceived stability were consistent with objective measures. The results suggested that high-heeled shoes with a small HBS did not provide stable plantar support, particularly on a small slope angle. The changes in the COP and pressure pattern caused by a small HBS might increase joint torque and muscle activity and induce lower limb problems.
authors.affiliation: School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China. Electronic address: sdtina@polyu.edu.hk.
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Luximon
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China; Key Lab of Prosthetics and Orthotics Technology, Beijing College of Social Administration, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cong
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Ameersing
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Luximon
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006365:Heel / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D011312:Pressure; D012775:Shoes; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Center of pressure trajectory; Heel base size; High-heeled shoes; Slope angle; Walking speed