In recent years, the number of women who wear high-heeled shoes even while commuting to work is increasing. Because they tend to wear shoes that are fashionable rather than practical, many complain of ailments affecting their feet, knees and back. In this study, we analyzed the effects of four common types of shoe―specifically, sneakers, pumps (heel height: 3 cm), shoes for the elderly and toning shoes―to determine how their shape and the presence of a heel affect joint moment and the angle of joints of the lower limbs in one gait cycle, and to investigate the kinetic dynamic effects that shoes have on the human body. We examined eight healthy young females based on three-dimensional motion analysis and floor reaction force, and calculated joint moment using interactive musculoskeletal modeling software. An examination of joint moment in one gait cycle showed that hip joint moment increased at the time of heel contact, especially when the subject wore pumps. In addition, the peak values of hip and talocrural joint moment increased in the propulsive period, with the highest peak value seen in shoes for the elderly. It was therefore thought that shoes for the elderly soften impact in the contact period and aid propulsion even when worn by young people. We expect that the result of this study will contribute to the design of highly safe and functional shoes and safer methods for wearing shoes.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.34/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE