Level of Physical Activity among Working Females Wearing High Heels

Main Article Content

Ayesha Kanwal
Somia Faisal
Faiqa Mushtaq
Muhammad Jabbar
Zainab Hassan
Mishal Chand
Syed Ali Hussain

Abstract

Background:


Previous studies have indicated that wearing high-heeled shoes (HHS) may be associated with foot and low back pain and could potentially affect the physical activity levels of women. The impact of HHS on musculoskeletal discomfort, fatigue, and biomechanical alterations has been substantiated, albeit with varying conclusions regarding their influence on physical activity and health.


Objective:


The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of physical activity among working females who regularly wear HHS and to determine any associations with musculoskeletal discomfort.


Methods:


A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 125 participants recruited from various malls in Lahore using non-probability convenience sampling. The inclusion criteria encompassed adult females aged between 19 to 44 years, wearing heels of varying types and heights for a minimum of six hours per day. Exclusion criteria included a history of ankle dislocation, foot surgery, orthopedic or neurological anomalies, systemic illness affecting physical activity, or flat feet. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short-form (IPAQ-sf), and data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.


Results:


The average age of participants was 25.14 years with a standard deviation of 4.509. The mean physical activity level was 1615.33 METs with a standard deviation of 1065.15. The majority of participants (54.4%) displayed a moderate level of physical activity, while 29.6% were categorized with low and 16% with high levels of physical activity. No significant correlation was found between heel height and physical activity levels or musculoskeletal discomfort.


Conclusion:


 Working females wearing high heels predominantly exhibit moderate levels of physical activity. The lack of significant associations suggests that heel height does not directly correlate with reduced physical activity or increased musculoskeletal discomfort in this sample. These findings highlight the complexity of factors influencing physical activity and musculoskeletal health in the context of HHS use.

Article Details

How to Cite
Kanwal, A., Faisal, S., Mushtaq, F., Jabbar, M., Hassan, Z., Chand, M., & Hussain, S. A. (2024). Level of Physical Activity among Working Females Wearing High Heels. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(1), 60–65. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i1.313
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Ayesha Kanwal, Lahore College of Physical Therapy-Lahore Medical & Dental College

Student, Department of Physical Therapy

Somia Faisal, Lahore College of Physical Therapy Lahore Medical & Dental College Lahore

Demonstrator, Department of Physical Therapy

Faiqa Mushtaq, Shahida Islam Medical College Bahawalpur

Demonstrator, Department of Physical Therapy

Muhammad Jabbar, University of Management and Technology Lahore

Lecturer, Department of Allied Health sciences

Zainab Hassan, University of Management and Technology Lahore

Assistant Professor, Department School of Health Science

Mishal Chand, University of Management and Technology Lahore

Student, Department of Physical Therapy

Syed Ali Hussain, Shifa Tameer e Millat University Islamabad

Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

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