Postural alignment was analysed in 77 subjects grouped for gender and somatotype under
four conditions: barefoot, in low-heeled shoes, in low-heeled shoes with a simulated
abdominal weight gain, and in high-heeled shoes. Significant gender differences were
found in the distances between the line of gravity of the whole body and the thoracic spine
(P< 0.001) and greater trochanter (P< 0.001) during barefoot stance. The centre of gravity of
the body was measured to pass anterior to the greater trochanter in males and posterior in …