Changes in ankle range of motion and muscle strength in habitual wearers of high-heeled shoes

Yushin Kim, Jong Min Lim, Bumchul Yoon

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    20 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background: Although cross-sectional biomechanical studies have reported that wearing high-heeled shoes can change the musculoskeletal system of the lower extremities, the long-term effects of wearing such shoes on the ankle remain unknown. The aim of this study was to reveal changes in ankle range of motion and muscle strength in habitual wearers of high-heeled shoes and to provide information for clinicians undertaking functional evaluations of the ankles of such patients. Methods: Habitual wearers of high-heeled shoes (n = 10; age, 23.9 ± 2.7 years) and wearers of flat shoes (n = 10; age, 23.8 ± 2.1 years) were selectively recruited, and the range of motion, maximal voluntary isometric force, and concentric contraction power of their ankles were measured. Results: Wearers of high-heeled shoes showed increased ankle range of motion on plantarflexion at 25 degrees and inversion at 10 degrees compared to flat shoe wearers (P < .05) but decreased dorsiflexion (about 17 degrees) and eversion (13 degrees; P < .05). Concentric contraction power in ankle eversion was also 2 times higher in wearers of high-heeled shoes (P < .05). Conclusions: These subjects had functional deformity of the ankle in a supinated direction and increased eversion power. Clinical Relevance: We cautiously recommend that habitual wearers of high-heeled shoes (those who walk in such shoes for more than 5 hours more than 6 times a week) undertake intensive ankle stretching exercises in the direction of dorsiflexion as well as eversion.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)414-419
    Number of pages6
    JournalFoot and Ankle International
    Volume34
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013 Mar

    Bibliographical note

    Copyright:
    Copyright 2013 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

    Keywords

    • Ankle
    • High-heeled shoes
    • Muscle power
    • Muscle strength
    • Physical examination
    • Range of motion

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Surgery
    • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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