GAIT CYCLE OF SLOW WALKING IN HIGH HEELS

Background
The aim of the work was to ascertain the differences in the temporal characteristics of the gait cycle of slow walking in high heels. The study particularly focused on a group of women who started to wear high heels more often.

Material and methods
The Pedar X System (Novel, Germany) was used to analyze the temporal characteristics of the gait cycle. Average values of temporal variables in both feet were ascertained based on the measured functions of maximal peak pressure (PPmax) and maximal vertical force (MVFmax) depending on time.

Results
Slow walking in high heels, as compared to slow walking in flat shoes, resulted in shortening the gait cycle in all its phases. This in turn increased the frequency of steps in high heels. While walking at a speed of v1=0.97 m.s^-1 (slow speed) and v2=0.56 m.s^-1 (very slow speed), there were no differences in stance/swing ratio between high heels and flat shoes.

Conclusions
Slow walking speeds can be considered to be suitable for women who have recently started walking in high-heeled shoes and have had no previous experience with them.