Getting Right to the Point

Staffordshire University Professor, Nachi Chockalingam, is renowned internationally for his work in Biomechanics. In a study involving women aged between 18 and 42, Professor Chockalingam recently investigated whether high heels really do cause ankle problems, stiffness or issues with balance.

In addition to his findings, impact-related injuries among runners were also discussed at the 8th annual Staffordshire Conference on Clinical Biomechanics, as specialists disputed theories that barefoot running is healthier than wearing trainers.

He said: “There is anecdotal evidence that wearing high-heeled footwear regularly can lead to detrimental changes in the ankle joint structures and compromise control of balance. However, there is little substantial evidence to support such a position.”

His study involved 18 women aged between 19 and 42, some wearing high heels and some wearing flat shoes for an average of seven hours a day, five days a week.

Results showed that, as most participants did not wear their heeled footwear for more than nine hours a day, joints had time to recover.

Professor Chockalingam, who was also the conference organiser, added: “The main purpose of the event was to disseminate the latest research and to create a link between academic research, clinical practice and the application of new technologies and techniques in the footwear industry.”

Other speakers included Simon Bartold, a visiting fellow at Staffordshire University and international research consultant at ASICS, a sports shoe developer.

The conference, which attracted around 100 delegates within the field of biomechanics, also saw experts such as Professor James Richards, University of Central Lancashire; Dr Adam Shortland, St. Guys, London; and Dr Toni Arndt, Karolinska Institute, Sweden, presenting work.

The 8th Staffordshire Conference on Clinical Biomechanics was part of Staffordshire University’s HEalth Factor 2010 series of events and took place during April at the University’s Ashley Building, Stoke-on-Trent.

Staffordshire University is a leading provider of postgraduate and continuing professional development courses in the area of clinical biomechanics and podiatric biomechanics in the UK, which attracts clinical practitioners to update their skills in the area of musculo-skeletal practice.

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