High Heels DECREASE Lumbar Lordosis!!

High Heels DECREASE Lumbar Lordosis!!

Reference:Coates J, McGregor A, Beith S, Hughes P. 2001 The influence of initial resting posture on range of motion of the lumbar spine. Manual Therapy 6(3); 139-144

It is generally believed that the higher the heel height, the greater the lumbar lordosis. However, all studies actually contradict this belief/assumption!

This study used 18 asymptomatic subjects and assessed their posture and ROM while standing in 5 different positions?

1) with feet flat on the floor

2) with both heels raised 2.5cm

3) with both heels raised 5cm

4) with both heels raised 7.5cm

5) with left heel only raised 2.5cm

Result #1: Increasing the heel height was associated with a significant reduction in lumbar lordosis and a significant reduction in available lumbar flexion ROM (P<0.01).

Result #2: A left heel lift resulted in a significant increase in lumbar left side flexion and a significant decrease in lumbar right side flexion (P<0.01).

Clinical Relevance: Perhaps ladies (or members of the band ?KISS?) with discal symptoms should be advised on avoiding high heels as it REDUCES their natural lumbar lordosis.

Clinical Relevance #2: Patients with leg length discrepancies may benefit from a unilateral heel lift as it may help achieve more ?optimal? side flexion ROM and hence reduce pain and dysfunction in standing or walking.

Personal Comment:For a complimentary ?Heel Lift? or for purchasing ($24.95 for a package of 10, 8mm lifts), please contact 1-866-APTEI-44 or 905-707-0819

**The complimentary heel lift offer is available ONLY to APTEI Report subscribers

Posted on: April 04, 2002

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