The Effects of Heel Height on Postural Indices Using Biodex Balance System in Healthy Female Students

To evaluate the effects of heel height on postural indices using the biodex balance system in healthy and young females. At first, a methodological research for evaluating the test-retest reliability was implemented. Then, a quasi-experimental study was conducted in healthy subjects (n=54, age= 21.87±2.44) in three different conditions as bear foot, wearing moderate (3cm) and high (7cm) heel shoes using biodex balance system. All data were analyzed using ANOVA and tukey post hoc tests. ICCs and SEM for all indices were between 0.88 - 0.98 and 0.31-0.61 respectively. The results of ANOVA showed significant differences between all parameters in 3 conditions (P<0.001).In addition, tukey post hoc tests revealed significant differences (P<0.001): overall, anterior-posterior and mediolateral stability indices scores and time for doing limit of stability showed greater increase in high heel condition than both bear foot and moderate heel conditions. Additionally, there were no significant differences in all parameters of biodex balance system in bear foot and moderate heel conditions. (P>0.77) Increasing heel height of shoes may cause balance problems. According to this study, somatosensory system may play important role in balance disturbances after wearing high heel shoes. However, the exact mechanisms of these postural disturbances are unclear.