Abstract: Objective: To analyze whether high-heeled shoes can significantly increase the knee joint load by computing through Inverse Dynamic the knee joint torques of college girl students with bare foot and high-heeled shoes during walking and investigate the change in walking pattern of college girl students with high-heeled shoes. Methods: Based on data from Vicon, AMTI and personal segment parameters, compute and compare through the Inverse Dynamic equations the knee joint torques in 3D and compare the statistics in the 2 conditions. Results: (1) High-heeled shoes increase the flexion torque by 19% and extension torque by 39% during first 80% of the supporting phase. Redundant torque increases the tension from quadriceps femoris and results in more pressure on patella-femoral joint. High-heeled shoes decrease the flexion torque by 21% at the leaving phase. Greatly reduced flexion torque may weaken the push power directly during the last phase of single stance. (2) High-heeled shoes change the abduction torque ahead of time and peak value by 9% and 5% respectively. Increased abduction torque may add the load on interior compartment of knee joint. This compensatory tension could destroy the balance control of knee joint. (3) High-heeled shoes change the transit from external to internal torque by 12% ahead of time, increase external torque by 18% and internal torque by 11%. The lasting leaving phase may be the weakest period for body alignment of high heel wearer, namely, there is a big probability for joint injury. (4) High-heeled shoes increase breaking force and decrease propulsion force. Conclusion: High heel shoes significantly change the normal torque pattern of knee joint during healthy female's gait.

Key words: Inverse Dynamic, joint torque, knee joint, high-heeled shoes, joint knee load, college girl students