The Influence of Heel Height on Gait Kinematics and Ankle and Knee Joint Angles

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to investigate how heel height affects the joint angles of the knee and ankle, as well as how it affects one’s stride and step length. To investigate how heel height affects one’s gait cycle and joint angles, two female subjects were recruited for this study. The subjects were screened for confounding variables such as age, weight, height, activity level, and notable gait abnormalities. Each participant performed two three-stride walks in low heels (2"), high heels (4"), and bare feet. PowerChalk, a digitizing platform, was used to analyze the changes in the joint angle of the knee and the ankle, as well as changes in stride and step length. Through digitizing our data, we were able to determine that an increased heel height increases both ankle plantar flexion and knee flexion while simultaneously decreasing step and stride length. The findings of this study are far-reaching, as high heels are becoming more and more common. Those with pre-existing ankle and knee injuries might find more comfort in a lower heel or no heel at all. Those predisposed to potential injury may want to do the same.