The effects of shoe heel height and gait velocity on position sense of the knee joint and balance

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of increased heel height and gait velocity on balance control and knee joint position sense. [Subjects and Methods] Forty healthy adults were randomly allocated to 4 groups: low-heel, low-speed group (3 cm, 2 km/h), low-heel, high-speed group (3 cm, 4 km/h), high-heel, low-speed group (9 cm, 2 km/h), high-heel, and high-speed group (9 cm, 4 km/h), with 10 subjects per group. Static and dynamic balance was evaluated using the I-Balance system and knee joint position sense using a goniometer. Measurements were compared using a pre- and posttest design. [Results] Increasing heel height and gait velocity decreased knee joint position sense and significantly increased the amplitude of body sway under conditions of static and dynamic balance, with highest sway amplitude induced by the high-heel, high-speed condition. [Conclusion] Increased walking speed in high heels produced significant negative effects on knee joint sense and balance control.