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Medical Rehabilitation - quarterly journal
Volume 13 year 2009, Issue number 3
Evaluation of the influence of low and high heel shoes on erector spine muscle bioelectrical activity assessed at baseline and during movement
Ocena wpływu obuwia na niskich i na wysokich obcasach na aktywność bioelektryczną mięśnia prostownika kręgosłupa ocenianą w spoczynku i podczas ruchu
Anna Mika 1, Łukasz Oleksy 2,3, Edyta Mikołajczyk 4, Anna Marchewka 1
1Department of Clinical Rehabilitation, University School of Physical Education in Cracow, Poland
4Department of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education in Cracow, Poland
surface electromyography, lumbar spine, heel shoes, sequence test
Introduction: Back pain due to the wearing of high heel shoes may result from increased erector spine activity and also from higher proximal ground reaction forces or center of body mass dislocation.
Aim: The assessment of changes in the erector spine muscle due to the non-physiological foot position in low and high heel shoes.
Material and Methods: In 31 women aged 20-25 years (height 167,6 ±5.8 cm; weight 60,35 ±6,49 kg) without back pain, the bioelectrical activity of the erector spine muscle was assessed. A lumbar spine sequence test was performed without shoes and in low (4 cm) and in high (10 cm) heel shoes. Muscle activity on the right and left sides was evaluated at baseline and during movement. The mean and peak signal value were compared between 3 measurements (without, in low and in high heel shoes).
Results: A statistically significant increase in erector spine activity was observed in Trunk Flexion (p<0,05) and during Flexion-Relaxation Position (p<0,05) when wearing high hell shoes. Those variables correlated significantly in all 3 measurements (without, in low and in high heel shoes). A significant correlation was noted between the Flexion-Relaxation Position and Extension/Flexion Ratio (p<0,05). Bioelectrical erector spine activity differed significantly during Rotation Right and Rotation Left in all 3 measurements respectively (p<0,05).
Conclusion: The prolonged wearing of shoes with stiletto type low and high heels by individuals without back pain is not safe for their spine and may lead to chronic paraspinal muscle fatigue.