Effects of high-heeled shoes on lower back pain in young women

Repercussions on Spinal Posture Before and After Wearing High-heeled Shoes in a Sample of Young Women: Cross-sectional Pilot Study

Observational Manusapiens · NCT06287281

This study looks at how wearing high-heeled shoes affects lower back pain in young women between 20 and 40 years old.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 40 Years
SexFemale
SponsorManusapiens Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bologna)
Trial IDNCT06287281 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between wearing high-heeled shoes and the incidence of lower back pain in young women aged 20 to 40. Participants will undergo a three-dimensional analysis of their posture using the Formetric 4D® device and complete a questionnaire regarding their shoe-wearing habits and spinal pain. The study aims to differentiate between asymptomatic and symptomatic users of high-heeled shoes based on their reported experiences of pain. By analyzing these factors, the research seeks to provide insights into the long-term effects of high heels on spinal health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy women aged 20 to 40 who regularly wear high-heeled shoes at least twice a week.

Not a fit: Patients with structural or neurological anomalies that affect their ability to wear high-heeled shoes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify the impact of high-heeled shoes on lower back pain, leading to better recommendations for footwear choices among women.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing debate regarding the effects of high heels on spinal health, this specific approach of long-term observation and analysis has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* female subjects aged between 20 and 40 years
* Usual users of shoes with heels at least 7 cm high, with a frequency of at least twice a week and/or less than 3 hours/week

Exclusion Criteria:

* structural or neurological anomalies that may prevent you from remaining weight-bearing, for approximately 2 hours, with shoes having a heel (difference between the heel and the plateau) of at least 7 cm high;

Where this trial is running

Bologna

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Low Back PainHealthy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.