Changes of bioelectrical activity in cervical paraspinal muscle during gait in low and high heel shoes

High heel footwear may be destructive for the spine because of an increased erector spinae muscle bioelectrical activity and increased ground reaction forces affecting lower limbs and the spine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of bioelectrical activity in cervical paraspinal muscle during gait in low and in high heel shoes in different age groups. In 31 women aged 20–25 years and in 15 women aged 45–55 years without neck pain, the bioelectrical activity of the cervical paraspinal muscle was assessed during gait on flat surface with natural speed in three conditions: without shoes, in low (4 cm) and in high (10 cm) heel shoes. Higher bioelectrical activity cervical paraspinal muscle was noted during gait in high heel shoes in comparison to gait without shoes. The changes were more pronounced in the group of subjects aged 45–55 years. The prolonged wearing of shoes with stiletto type heels by individuals without neck pain is not safe for their spine and may lead to chronic paraspinal muscle fatigue.