The Effect of Walking in High Heels on the Activation and Deactivation of Upper Trunk Muscles

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate how high-heeled walking affects the coordination changes of timing of upper trunk muscle activation, and the possible occurrence of health problems in this part of the body of young women. We used surface electromyography (EMG) for data collection. The research group consisted of 30 women. Statistical significance of the changes in muscle coordination was confirmed when evaluating two of the four upper trunk muscles studied. M. trapezius and m. pectoralis major are not subject to changes in gait in high heels (HH) from the point of view of timing on a statistical level, but HH increase the intensity of muscle contraction of all monitored muscles, and therefore we recommend limiting the wearing of HH in case of health problems related to these muscles.

Keywords:

• high heels
• walking
• muscle timing
• gait cycle

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.