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Can wearing high heels influence anal canal pressure and the severity of fecal incontinence?

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Wearing high heels may not only produce deleterious effects on the musculoskeletal system and on the general posture, but also on the activity of pelvic floor muscles. However, no data are currently available concerning the link between fecal incontinence and wearing high heels. Our aim was to determine whether wearing high-heeled shoes could influence anal canal pressure values in patients suffering from fecal incontinence.

Methods

In this retrospective monocentric study, 338 female patients were included. Clinical data, including the Wexner score, and manometric data were recorded (using 3D high-resolution anorectal manometry). Wearing high heels was defined by the use of high-heeled shoes at least four times a week for 4 consecutive hours with at least 1 year of usage time and heels ≥3 cm. Two sub-groups were defined: “high heels” vs “no high heels.”

Results

The two subgroups were comparable for clinical data, including Wexner score, except for a higher age, menopause and hormone replacement therapy, and urinary incontinence in the group with “high heels.” No statistical difference was observed concerning the anal canal pressure. Using analysis by logistic regression, only age was related to a significantly lower resting pressure.

Conclusions

In this retrospective cohort of women with fecal incontinence, no clinical or manometric differences were observed between women who wore high heels versus those who did not. Because there is limited knowledge on this potential link and because the pelvic tilt may vary according to age and the habit of walking with high heels, further studies are necessary.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Service de Gastroentérologie, CHU Nord, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France

    Veronique Vitton, Sandra Ortiz & Michel Bouvier

  2. Department of Gastroenterology, Instruction Hospital of French Army Laveran, Marseille, France

    Laure Luciano

  3. Department of Gastroenterology, French Military Hospital Laveran, 13384, Marseille Cedex, France

    Laure Luciano

  4. EA3279 Self-perceived Health Assessment Research Unit, University Hospital, Aix-Marseille Université, APHM, Marseille, France

    Karine Baumstarck

Authors
  1. Veronique Vitton
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  2. Laure Luciano
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  3. Sandra Ortiz
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  4. Karine Baumstarck
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  5. Michel Bouvier
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Correspondence to Laure Luciano.

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Vitton, V., Luciano, L., Ortiz, S. et al. Can wearing high heels influence anal canal pressure and the severity of fecal incontinence?. Int Urogynecol J 30, 2049–2054 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-03902-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-03902-3

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