Changes in Balance and Gait Patterns with Different Heel Heights Among Women in Their 20's

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of different heel heights on gait deviation and balance. Method : Participants were 16 women majoring in physical therapy in Kyungbuk college, located in Yeong-ju, North Kyungsang Province. Balance and gait patterns were measured by Good Balance and GAIT Rite. Result : Statistically significant differences were found in swing right measured by Gait-rite, and also in Analyze End, Ant-post, Med-Lat, and gait ability score(p < .05) regarding dynamic balance ability. Conclusion : There was no statistically significant difference in gait ability between those who walked barefoot and highheeled. However, balance ability was different "between them". This shows that heel height can lead to decrease in gait ability. Further research should include more participants and use a wide range of heel heights.