Change of spinal curvature with height of heeled shoes

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, we investigated the changes in the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles of subjects standing still while wearing shoes with heels of different heights. Subjects: The subjects were 27 healthy adult females: average age, 21.4 ± 2.5; average height, 158.3 ± 5.0 cm; average foot length, 23.8 ± 0.5 cm. Method: We took measurements with subjects looking straight ahead while standing upright with naked feet and wearing shoes with heel heights of 3, 6 and 9 cm, and we compared the changes in thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles. Results: Although the angles of both thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis changed with heel height, no significant differences were found. Conclusion: The results suggest that wearing heeled shoes doesn't influence spinal curvature in the standing position.