Footwear designers, particularly those specialising in high-heeled shoes, face the challenge of balancing fashion with functionality. High-heeled shoes are often associated with altered gait patterns, stability issues, and changes in biomechanical forces.
To gain deeper insights into these effects, Tekscan applications engineers conducted a study utilising the Strideway™ modular gait analysis system to evaluate how different high-heeled shoe heights impact a subject’s Centre of Force Trajectory (CoFT).
Background: The Effects of High-Heeled Shoes on Gait
Several studies have shown that increasing heel height raises the body’s centre of gravity, resulting in decreased stability. To compensate for this instability on the sagittal plane, individuals often reduce both step length and stride length. These parameters are closely interrelated and indicative of gait adaptation.
Additionally, research has reported changes in ground reaction forces (GRF) with elevated heel heights, including increases in vertical, anteroposterior, and medio-lateral forces. Such increases can contribute to additional stress on the spine, hips, knees, feet, and ankles, potentially leading to discomfort and long-term musculoskeletal issues.
While in-shoe gait analysis systems are commonly used for footwear assessment, the ability to evaluate gait on a pressure-sensitive platform like Strideway offers unique advantages. The system provides insightful parameters, such as spatial data and CoF movement, which help assess stability and walking behaviour.
Methodology: Gait Analysis with the Strideway System
The study aimed to evaluate how various high-heeled shoe designs influence CoF trajectory and gait parameters. A healthy female subject in her 20s (weight: 52 kg) was instructed to complete two passes (six steps total: three left foot, three right foot) across the Strideway platform while wearing five footwear categories:
- Barefoot
- Sandal
- Boot
- Wedge
- Stiletto
A four-tile Strideway model (SRSW4) was utilised, with the following specifications:
- Dimensions: 0.91 x 3.25 m
- Active sensing area per tile: 0.65 x 2.6 m
- Resolution: 0.968 sensels/cm²
- Scanning speed: 500 Hz
Strideway software captured and recorded the subject’s pressure data in movie format. Key gait parameters analysed included:
- Plantar Pressure: Distribution of forces over the sole of the foot during walking, offering insights into foot function.
- Centre of Force Trajectory (CoFT): The direction and behaviour of force concentration as the subject progresses through the gait cycle. This parameter provides valuable data on balance control and foot function.
Results: Impact of Heel Height on Gait and CoF Trajectory
The collected Strideway data revealed significant effects of heel height on the subject’s gait patterns and CoFT. Key observations included:
- Shorter Stride Lengths: High-heeled shoes, particularly wedges and stilettos, resulted in reduced stride length compared to flat footwear.
- Increased Forefoot Pressure: As heel height increased, the subject exhibited greater force concentration on the forefoot during foot strikes.
- Asymmetries: Wedges and stilettos displayed notable asymmetries in CoF trajectory, indicating altered balance control and potential gait instability.
These changes suggest that prolonged use of high-heeled shoes may increase stress on the ankles, hips, and spine, potentially leading to discomfort or injury over time.
Conclusion: A Tool for Insightful Footwear Assessment
This study demonstrates how the Strideway system can effectively analyse the impact of high-heeled shoe designs on gait parameters and centre of force trajectories. By providing spatial, temporal, and kinetic force data, Strideway offers footwear designers a powerful tool to evaluate and refine their designs, ensuring a better balance between aesthetics, function, and wearer comfort.
With its ability to track CoF movement and other insightful gait parameters, Strideway sets a new standard in footwear evaluation, enabling manufacturers to make data-driven decisions that prioritise both style and stability.
To know more about Tekscan Strideway System, visit this page now: https://bmec.asia/my/tekscan
More Information
Tekscan, Inc. | https://www.tekscan.com/sites/default/files/MDL-FootwearCenterofForceTrajectory-FINAL.pdf
Tekscan, Inc.
