Effects of heel heights and shoe inserts on step count and perceived comfort among female undergraduates in FMHS, UPM

Lee, Yoon Yee. (2012) Effects of heel heights and shoe inserts on step count and perceived comfort among female undergraduates in FMHS, UPM. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Summary: Introduction: Heeled-shoes could contribute to occupational ergonomic problems such as consequent musculoskeletal discomfort, sprained ankles, and lower back pain. Studying effects of heeled shoes and shoe inserts on step counts and perceived comfort may advance shoe design and minimize adverse effects on human musculoskeletal system. Objective: To determine whether increasing heel height and use of shoe inserts change step counts and perceived comfort among female undergraduates. Methods: Through stratified random sampling method and group comparison sample calculation, 32 healthy female undergraduates from experienced group and 32 from non-experienced group were included in this experimental study based on heeled-shoes wearing experience. The heel heights used were 2.0 cm (flat), 4.0 cm (low), and 6.0 cm (high). The shoe-insert conditions used were shoe only, heel cup, arch support, and total contact insert (TCI). Respondents walked on treadmill for each experimental condition. Foot anthropometric data were taken by anthropometer; step counts by OMRON pedometer, and perceived discomfort rating by V AS scale. Reliability of instrumentation was proven and Chronbach's alpha values for VAS scale were in average 0.818. Results: With overall response rate of 87.5%, there was significant difference between average steps count per minute for flat, low, and high heel heights among both experienced (p=0.004) and non¬experienced group (p=O.OOI). Significant differences were found for flat (p=0.026), low (p=0.003), high-heeled shoes (p<O.OOOI) with different shoe insert conditions for experienced group. However, no significant difference was found for heel heights and shoe insert conditions with step counts when compared between 2 groups. For perceived discomfort rating, there were significant differences between low (t=2.570, p=0.013), high (t=2.398, p=0.020), total contact insert (TCI) at low (t=2.232, p=0.029) and total contact insert (TCI) at high (t=2.354, p=0.022) heeled-shoes between experienced and non-experienced groups. Conclusion: Experienced group of female undergraduates with previous wearing experience, flat heeled-shoes, and total contact insert offered lowest number of step counts, and lowest perceived discomfort rating when compared to other heel heights and insert condition. Keywords: Heel heights, Shoe inserts, Step count, Perceived comfort

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	22 Nov 2022 08:07
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2023 01:24
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/261

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