Heel lifts stiffness of sports shoes could influence posture and gait patterns

NewsBot · Oct 10, 2017

Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.
Heel lifts stiffness of sports shoes could influence posture and gait patterns
S. Hessasa et al
Science & Sports 5 October 2017

Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate how different commercial heel lift stiffness could affect gait and posture patterns, in order to propose to athletes the most appropriate which can reduce injury risk by moderating the effects of repeated impacts, plantar pressure and excessive pronation or supination.

Methods
Ten healthy young male volunteers were asked to wear successively three pairs of heel lifts, with identical geometry but different stiffness. Static tests consisted in measuring plantar pressure distribution and center of mass position. Dynamic tests consisted of kinematics and reaction force measurements at both imposed and preferred frequency.

Results
No significant anterior-posterior displacement of the center of mass was found. Peak pressure on the calcaneus was found significantly different, although metatarsal pressures were found unaffected. Dynamic tests revealed significant modifications in the reaction forces. Heel lift stiffness was found to significantly modify posture and gait patterns and should therefore be considered in the insole design process. Our findings suggest that low stiffness insole is not necessarily the most appropriate to reduce plantar pressure levels.
Click to expand...

mike weber · Oct 13, 2017

Simon Spooner brought this Point up years ago when we talked Leg stiffness in great detail

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

mike weber MVP

Limb Length Discrepancy After Total Hip Joint Replacement Surgery Treated With Heel Lifts

Why Podiatrists Should Use Heel Lifts In Their Practice

EVA/Rubber Shoe Heel Lifts

Adjustable Heel Lifts

Heel Lifts

Medical Grade Heel Lifts for Shoes

Unequal Limb Length in Polio Patients Treated with Heel Lifts

Share This Page