1. Effect of high heeled shoes on Human Balance
Proposed Research by
Nirosha P. Witana
Department of IELM
HKUST
Research on High-heeled shoes v1

2. Research on High-heeled shoes v1
Outline
Introduction
Research Gap
Methodology
Contribution
Research on High-heeled shoes v1

3. Research on High-heeled shoes v1
Introduction
Why women wear high heeled shoes?
Increase the stature
To be attractive
To be sexy
To be formal
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4. Research on High-heeled shoes v1
Popularity
Survey conducted by American Podiatric Medical Association (2003)
503 subjects
72% wear High heeled shoes,
39% in regular basis / more than 8hrs per day
No age limit
49% < 25 years
31% > 65 years
Research on High-heeled shoes v1

5. Research on High-heeled shoes v1
What’s the Problem ?
Health Hazards
Sprained Ankles
Shorten Achilles Tendon
Law back pain
Foot pain
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6. Research on High-heeled shoes v1
Research Gap
Wearing high heels impairs the balance of the body,
resulting in abnormal deviations of COP trajectory
(Gefen et al. ,2001)
causes ankle sprains and falls
(Ebbeling, Hamill and Crssemeyer, 1994)
anterior displacement of COP increases with the height of the heel (Han, Paik and Im, 1999)
None of the studies have reported the COP change with the same heel height but different footbed shapes
Research on High-heeled shoes v1

7. Research on High-heeled shoes v1
Methodology
Development of a Profile Assessment Device (PAD)
Find out the most suitable footbed shape for higher heel heights
Postural Stability
Comfort
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8. Profile Assessment Device
HEEL SEAT
WEDGE ANGLE
TOE SPRING
SHANK
HEEL HEIGHT
SHOE LAST
PAD
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9. Plantar foot pressure and force
Pressure Sensor
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10. Digitizing footbed Surface
3D Digitizer
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11. Research on High-heeled shoes v1
Contribution
Challenge the existing guidelines of footbed design in the industry
Help local manufacturers to have a competitive edge in the design and development of healthy & functional footwear.
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12. Research on High-heeled shoes v1
Thank You
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