Is static balance affected by using shoes of different height?

Study aim: to investigate the impact of heels of different height on static balance of teenagers and young women not accustomed to high heels.

Material and methods: The study involved 71 young women aged 21.09 ± 2.91 years. We used a stabilometric platform to take measurements barefoot and with heels: of 4 cm and of 10 cm. Two types of measurements were taken: with eyes open and with eyes closed.

Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in values of the measured stabilographic parameters with 4 cm and 10 cm heels, in comparison to measurements taken with bare feet. Measurements with eyes closed revealed significantly greater distortions to static balance than measurements with eyes open. A comparison of measurements – both with eyes open and with eyes closed – barefoot, with 4 cm heels and with 10 cm heels revealed statistically significant differences.

Conclusions: High heels in the population of young women significantly worsen static balance. Heel height and the exclusion of visual control are important factors diminishing static balance.