The use of the Gait Variability Index to Evaluate High-Heeled Gait

Abstract

Gait pattern is affected by wearing high heel shoes, but to what extent? Generally, gait variations are evaluated at the gait analysis lab where temporal-distance parameters are measured, and kinetic and kinematic parameters curves are plotted, then the gait parameters deviation from the normal gait is studied qualitatively. This evaluation type does not introduce a distinct number, which indicates to the degree of gait deformation.  Researchers have introduced different indices to calculate the differences from normal gait patterns, some of them used temporal-distance parameters, others used kinetic parameters, and another group used both. This study aims to use gait variation index (GVI) to evaluate gait variations quantitatively while wearing high heels. This index uses only the temporal-distance parameters, so it is easy to use and can be measured out of the biomechanics lab. All the experiments  were conducted at the biomechanics lab at Damascus University, gait parameters for 8 female subjects were measured at 6 different states: bare foot, with 3cm , 5cm, 7 cm, 9 cm, and 12 cm heeled shoes. GVI was calculated, and the results showed a clear relation between the GVI value and the heel height. Results have also demonstrated low correlation between GVI and other indices. The correlation values were 0.68 and 0.43 for gait profile score (GPS) and fuzzy gait variation index (FGVI) respectively.