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Research

Influence of High Heeled Footwear and Pre-fabricated Foot Orthoses on Energy Efficiency in Ambulation

Abstract

Background:

Although changes in kinematics and repetitive impact forces produced by high heeled footwear can be minimized by pre-fabricated foot orthoses, their effects on energy efficiency and comfort are less understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate if an increase in high heeled footwear and selected pre-fabricated foot orthoses altered energy consumption and improved comfort.

Materials and Method:

Ten healthy females (age range 21 – 34 years) who were regular high heel wearers volunteered for the study. Five footwear conditions were randomly assigned: heel height of 15mm (flat), 45mm (low), 70mm (high), high with McConnell® orthosis and high with Insolia® orthosis. Heart rate (HR), volume of oxygen consumed in liters per kilogram (VO₂/kg), respiration exchange ratio (RER), physiological cost index (PCI) and the number of steps (NoS) were monitored whilst walking on a treadmill at a speed of 4.2km/hour and 0% incline for 10 minutes. The Footwear Comfort Scale was also completed following each condition.

Results:

HR, VO₂/kg, RER, PCI and NoS were significantly increased for the high (p<0.001) condition compared to the flat and low conditions. Significant differences (p<0.001) were also noted between the high and high with McConnell® and Insolia® conditions with a reduced HR, VO₂/kg, RER, NoS and PCI. A significantly improved overall Footwear Comfort Scale was also noted between the high, McConnell® and Insolia® conditions (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

This study supports previous work that wearing high heels are less energy efficient than flat shoes. It also suggests that selected pre-fabricated foot orthoses in high heeled footwear may improve energy efficiency and perceived comfort to wearing high heels alone. These combined benefits and the specific design of biomechanical interventions of orthoses for high heeled footwear should be explored further.

© 2010 The Foot and Ankle Online Journal

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